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TH> 



fHilHotVi AttUr Atltii|ttitiei» 



or 



LUDLOW. 



^ 



THE 



mSTpRY &, ANTIQUITIES 

OF THE TOWN OF 

mtf tt0 ISLmient <(taMU; 

feWITH 

LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS, 

AND 
DESCRIPTIVB AND HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS 

OF 

GENTISHEN'S SEATS; 



Second Edition ttith Additions, 




&UDLOW: 

PRINTED AND SOLD BY PROCTER AND JONES; 

Sold also by 
LONGMAN & Co. LONDON. 



m. 



^ 



1826. 



THK 



mt^UntVi m^ Atitiiittitirtt 



or 



LUDLOW. 



4 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

their respective situations, coincides with the 
natural position of the river Teme, and the 
camps of Brandon and Coxwall hills. To the 
scholar and the antiquarian the whole kingdom 
does not afford a more interesting or gratif^ring 
subject; let them observe the polished and 
simple form of the roman camp, and the rude 
and natural features of the british. The ro- 
man general depended alone on the strength of 
his armsy and the valour of his well disciplined 
legions ; but the british chieftain called nature 
to his assistance, and strengthened her by art. 

From the departure of the Romans, to the 
Norman conquest, history supplies no certain 
information concerning Ludlow, yet from vari- 
ous written and traditionary accounts it is more 
than probable that there existed here a town» or 
fortress^ of some importance, previous to the 
recorded erection of the Castle. 

Dinan, Llystwysoc, ancient british names for 
this place, are certain indications of its having 
been the Palace of a Prince, as the Saxon name 
Ludlowe, LeadlowBf that is. People Mote, in- 
dicates its appropriation to the administration 
of justice. 

Presuming from its british name, that this 
place was, at a remote period, a royal residence; 
and from indisputable authority, knowing, that 
after the departure of the Romans, the struggle 
for mattery between the Saxons and Britons, 



STATE OF MBBCIA. 6 

continued more than five hundred years ; and 
that during that period the frontier of Wales 
was peculiarly distioguished as the scene of 
contest ; it may be deemed neither uninteresting 
nor too far deviating from our purpose, to give 
short notices of the most remarkable events con- 
nected v^ith the history of Mercia. 
The Saxon octarchy was progressively formed ; 
Ella in Sussex, and Hengist in Kent, made a 
duarchy before the year 500. When Cerdic 
erected the state of Wessex a triarchy appeared; 
east Anglia made it a tetrarchy ; Essex a pen- 
tarchy. The success of Ida after 547 estab- 
lishmg the sovereignty of the Angles in Bernecia 
completed an hexarchy, and the northern Ella 
by becoming king of Deira, made an heptarchy. 
In 586 the octarchy was completed by the es- 
tablishment of the kingdom of Mercia. As the 
Anglo-Saxons warred with each other, some- 
times one state was absorbed by another, and 
sometimes, after an interval, it emerged again, 
as the tide of conquest fluctuated, till at last a 
permanent monarchy arose under Egbert, or 
more certainly under Alfred the Great, 

Arthur, one of the most renowned heroes who 
fought against the Saxons, some time previous 
to the establishment of the kingdom of Mercia, 
was a chieftain of South Wales. He is said to 
have fought twelve successful battles ; and 
though it appears from several authorities that 



6 HISTOBY OF LUDJLOW. 

there were other kings in various parts bf Britaio 
during Arthur's reign, yet he is represented as 
the paramount sovereign; the PendragoBy or 
Penteym, in nominal dignity at least; above 
every other. Arthur perished in a civil feud 
with Medrawdhid nephew, who^ name has been 
blackened with every reproach, because Arthur, 
the shield of the Cymry, perished in the War 
which he had excited. - ' ' ' 

The numerous tetebrated british chiefs who 
succeeded aire not forgotten by the ancient 
bards, in whose productions their fame 'yet 
lives. Many instances might be giv^n of the 
striking traits of characteristic energy attribul^ 
to the heroes of bardic song. Taliesin makes 
Owen, the son of Urien, exclaim, in his address 
to his warriors :-— 

"Being aiwmbled for our cOantry, " 

Let OS elevate onr bannen above the moantains; ' 

And •pnsh forth our foice8«fier the^borden; ■ - .< »- > 

And lift onr »pears above the warrlora* beada; 

And nub upon the Destrc^er in hi* anny 9 

And (day both him and his followen*/' 

Taliebin was not only a' bard 'but a soldier, 
and describes in expressive language the scenes 
of warfare he himself had witnessed : — 

**Neitherthe fields, nor the woods, gave safety to the foe 
■ When the shout of the Britons came 
Like a wave raging' against the shore. . ■ 
I saw the brave warriors in array ; 
And after the morning, how mangiedl 



ming, 
I saw the tumult of the perishing hosts; 
The blood springing forward and moiste 
Owenjstrad was defended by a rampart : 



Weaned, ou the earth no longer veidant, 
I saw at the pass of the ford, 
The blood statntd men dropping their arms ; 
Pale with terror!" 



'ISTATE'OF MBRC1A. ^ 

Ab the Saxons gained upon their possessionf , 
the Britons' were confined to a narrower portion 
of tke<countoy ; but the latter yielded no part 
until it had been dearly purchased •• 
'. The most indignant of the fugitives retired 
into Wales. There the bards consoled the ex- 
patriated Britons with the ihope that the day 
would afterwards, arrive when they should have 
their full revenge, by driving out the Saxon 
hordes. That they should again be led by their 
majestic chief, Arthur, and be again victorious. 
That this happy day- should restore to every one 
bis own:, that the horns of gladness should 
proclaim the i|ong of peace, the serf^iedays of 
Cambrian happiness. .... 

The anticipation of this blissful aera gave 
rapture to the Cymry, even-in their stony para- 
dise of WaleStf This flattering prediction is ex« 
tant in the writings of Myrddin : — 

**A aerpent with ehaina, 
Towenqg and uluudering; 
With araied mugi^ 

From Gemuuim; 
This will ovemm 
All Locgm and Bnfdon, 
fh»n the land of the Lochlin lea 

To the Sereni.** 

And afterwards is added : — 

**Their lord thej shall praise, 
Their langoai^e preserve, 
ThAr Gountrj lose. 

Except wild Wales, ^ 
.: Till the destined period of their triumph itrolvcs, 
Then the Britons will obtain 
The crown of their land, 
And the strange people 
Will VMiish away;* 



8 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

In 607» or 609, the Britons suffered a disas- 
trous overthrow while fighting under Brocmaiiy 
king of Powisy against Ethelfrith. Ancient 
Bangor fell into the hands of the victor, and its 
noble Monastry was levelled to the earth ; its 
vast library, the collection of ages, the reposi- 
tory of the most precious monuments of the 
ancient Britons, was consumed ; half ruined 
walls, gates, and rubbish, were all that remain- 
ed of this magnificent edifice. This attack was 
excited by the Monk Augustine, called the 
Apostle of England : on his first visit a conven- 
tion with the Cambrian Bishops was appointed ; 
but the imperious tone assumed by the Mission- 
ary was neither calculated to conciliate esteem 
nor persuade to submission. The mischief of 
unequal warfare was foretold in threatening lan- 
guage, and the prophecy of the enraged saint 
was too fatally verified. 

But amidst their misfortunes, the Cymry 
sometimes triumphed. In 610 Ceolwulf from 
Wessex advanced upon them, not merely to the 
Severn, but crossed it, into the province of Gla- 
morgan. The inhabitants hastened to Tewdric, 
their former king, who had quitted his dignity 
in behalf of his son Mowric, to lead a solitary 
life among the beautiful rocks and woodlands of 
Tintern. They solicited him to reassume the 
military command, in which he had never known 
disgrace. The royal hermit beheld the dreaded 



STATE OF MERCIA. 9 

Saxons ob the Wye, but the remembrance of his 
former achievements inspired him with hope. 
He put on his forsaken armour, conducted the 
tumult of battle with his accustomed skill, and 
drove the invaders over the Severn. A mortal 
wound in the head arrested him in the full enjoy- 
ment of his glory, and he breathed his last wish* 
es for his country's safety at the confluence of 
the Severn and the Wye. The local appellation 
Mathem, the abbreviation of Merthyr Tewdric, 
(the Martyr Tewdric,) pointed out his remains 
to the sympathy of posterity ; in the sixteenth 
century his body was found unconsumed, and 
the fatal wound on his head was visible. 

Some chronicles state that Crida, the grand- 
father of Penda, was the first Mercian king, and 
that Ceorl, a kinsman of his son Wibba, prece-^ 
ded Penda, it is not, however, disputed that in 
626 Penda was king of Mercia, a man of a ma- 
levolent and ferocious character, who reigned 
thirty years the terror and scourge of contem- 
porary princes, In 634 the british prince Cad- 
wallon was defeated and slain by Penda. After 
the death of Cadwallon, his son Cadwalladyr, 
discouraged by a pestilence and famine, which 
severely afflicted Wales, went to Bretagne, and 
was the last of the Cymry who pretended to the 
sovereignty of England. In Uie year 678 Ethel- 
bald king of Mercia, wishing to add the pleasant 
region between the Severn and the Wye to his 



10 HISTORY OV LUDLOW. 

territories, raised a powerful army and altered 
Wales, but at CarnOy in MoDtgomeryshire, he 
was successfully opposed and : driven over die 
Wye' with great lossj* ••* ^ ^ >•• ur .* 

' In 755 the celebrated Offa became king of 
Mercia ; hb wars with the Britons were at finst 
imsucoessfiil, bnt in the end. he^i gained - i^on 
their territory as far as the Wye, and separated 
his acquisitions by an immense 'trench and 'ram- 
part, which was carried over i mountains and 
rivers for a* hundred miles; the nemains of this 
work are still visible in various places* At the 
close of Offa's reign Ethelhert possessed the 
crown of east'Angli», a peaceful and inteiligent 
prince. Invited, or welcomed by Offa, he went 
to Mercia 'for the purpose of receiving the hand 
o€ Etheldritha, the* 'daughter of the. Mercian 
king. He was received With duer honours, the 
nuptial feast had begun, yet Offa procured, his 
assassination. Theifavousable moment of an* 
nexing east AngliatotMeroiaywas ar temptation 
which atienated the feelings, of the father and 
theman.* Offa^invaded^his don»inions andieast 
Angliaiwas added to his conquest8»'j imi * 

Did such* a complication of crimen benefit the 
perpetrator? > Before two years elapsed^ he sunk 
frMn his^empire toi the' grave. - Remone : embtt- 
teved'all the interval. His widowed . daughter 
abandoned his court,, fle^ into the marshes of 
Croyland, and pined away heir life in solitude. 



STATE OF MBRCIA. , 11 

His queeiiy'the evil counsellor of- bis amUtioa, 
perished iiMserably ; the husband of anotli^ of 
his daughters was cut off' in the same year as 
himself; the other, who married BrithriC) died 
a maityr to vice', in penury the most estreme, 
scorned and abhorred; and his son Ecgfrid, 
whb succeeded him, was ^rmitted to Uve a kiag 
only a few months. The race of Offa disap- 
peared fot ever. Sneh «re the results oB' a 
prosperity founded in vice ! 

In 819 Kenwulf, a peaceful, pious// and Just 
king, died; his crown descending to. his. son 
Kinekn, a child of seven years of age, 'Wfao was 
cruelly murdered by his sister. Ceolwulf, his 
nnde succeeded him.' This usurper was slain 
in battle in 625, and was followed on the throne 
by Ludecan, who, heading the army agaiisl-the 
opposers'of his predecessor, found a grave where 
he had hoped loran empire. Wiglaf^ the prince 
or 'governor of Worcester, next succeeded ; 'he 
incatitiouidy attacked Egbert with an inferior 
force ; was defeated, and fled to the abbey 'of 
Croyland : there that interesting chamcter, £th- 
eldridia^ widowed in the hour of her n&arriage 
feast by her father Offli'v crime, sheltered the 
fugitive prince- in hor- respected cell. How pliin^ 
fuUy must she have moralized on the deed ^hich 
had not only 'destroyed her happiness, buthad 
contributed in its consequences the ruin of Mer« 
cia« The negociations of the venerable Abbot 



1 



12 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

of Croyland preserved Wiglaf, but completed 
the degradation of Mercia. He was continued 
on the throne as the tributary vassal of Wessex* 

In 878 the Danes making successful incur- 
sions, possessed themselves of Mercia, and gave 
the crown to Ceolwulf, .who swore fidelity to 
his foreign masters, and promised to return the 
power they granted, whenever required. He 
plundered the poor peasantry, robbed the cler- 
gy, and practised every kind of oppression. 
But this pageant of tyranny displeased his mas- | 

ters, was stripped of every thing, and perished 
miserably. With him for ever ended the Anglo 
Saxon octarchy. 

As the Saxons had at first gained footing in 
Britain by a cruel and bloody invasion of the 
original inhabitants, so in their turn they had to 
fall before the furious attacks of the more savage 
and barbarian cruelty of a race of invaders from 
the northern wilds of Scandinavia, who in the 
ninth century, carried fire and sword throughout 
the coasts, and even the interior of England. 

Educated in the religion of Odin, the acknow- 
ledged God of slaughter and devastation, these 
fierce warriors conceived themselves alone enti- 
tled to happiness in another world, in propor- 
tion to the violence of their own deaths, and the 
number of the enemy whom they had slain on 
the field of battle. Of their war chiefs, Guth- 
run, or Gormo, was not the least celebrated. 



STATB OF MERCIA. 13 

''The cruel Guthrun/' says one of our oldest 
historians, "arrived in England, A. D. 878, at 
the head of an army of pagan Danes, no less 
cruel than himself, who, like inhuman savages, 
destroyed all before them, involving cities, towns 
and villages, with their inhabitants, in devour- 
ing flames; and cutting those in pieces with 
their battle-axes who attempted to escape from 
their burning houses. The tears, cries and la- 
mentations of men, women and children, made 
no impression on their unrelenting hearts ; even 
the most tempting bribes, and the humblest 
offers of becoming their slaves, had no effect. 
All the towns through which they passed exhib- 
ited the most deplorable scenes of misery and * 
desolation : as venerable old men lying with 
their throats cut before their own doors ; the 
streets covered with the bodies of young men 
and children, witiiout heads, legs, or arms; and 
of matrons and virgins, who had been first 
publicly dishonoured, and then put to death/* 
Such, it may reasonably be believed, was the 
scene exhibited in the desolated kingdom of 
Mercia, when under the sub-governmeut of Wig- 
laf, it was plundered by the army of Guthrun. 

It was into the camp of this ferocious leader 
of piratical invasion, that our patriot king, the 
unrivalled Alfred, was introduced, in the dis* 
guise of a harper ; a stratagem ^hich, enabling 
him to detect the insecurity of his foes, and 



A 



14 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

their want of discipliney led, very shortly after- 
wards, to their complete defeat. 

With Alfred, the first result of victory, .was 
clemescy and benevolence.' To Guthrun and 
his followers, now prostrate at hisfeet,,he.prQf-> 
feiied. not «on|y > mercy and forgiveness, but pro* 
teotion and territory, provided they would aban*? 
doH« Paganism, .embrace Christianity, and be 
regulated by the laws of civilized Society* 

To these terms 'Guthrun joy fully ^ and as the 
event ^proved, sincerely t acceded ; himself and 
thirty, of bin officers being, immediately vbaptized 
in the pcesence of Alfsed. Pajrt of his army and 
his retinue were settled with their chief in east 
Anglia ; Guthrun fixing on the scite of Hadleigh 
in Suffolk,, as a .central situation for -his capital. 
Off heard-liege»' He reigned near ^ eleven years^ 
invaslably observing the laws^and religion of Al^ 
fred, and preserving his own people w4thin the 
striet bounds of peace and good order. No 
stronger proof indeed can be given of th^ integr 
rity and fidelity of Guthrun than, that no sooner 
had he ceased to govern, than the- Danes of east 
Anglia shewed signs of turbulence and disaffec- 
tion, «nd*took the earliest opportunity of co-* 
operating with their- countryman, Hastings^' in 
his. invasion of England in 883. ' An anoient 
gothioi arch in the wall of Hadleigh church, 
niarks- the place where liis remains were deposit 
ted^ AU history cannot fucnish a more iliustri- 



STATE OF MERCIA. 15 

ous iDstance of the power of christian principles 
to restore fallen human nature, than the conver- 
sioii of >€kiihr«i the Dane. < i r .. •• >i>. 
Inscription for the tomb of Guthnin*;-^ >. 

K> ! fltiy il]i^ctr«ig^r f o'er this hallowM gnwnd 
In Mlemn silespce paoae ! Here sleeps the wief. 
W£Un'Td««l Alfred, iritB ft ebibtlilii's tMi ' 
From deeds of wvagre slaughter, from the rites 
Of Odin; b«th>d In bl<>od, and brenthingr war. 
Tum*d to the living God. — Gathrun the Dane! 
Here oft, repentant of the' erring coarse 
Tliat (itain'a his dawn of manhood, hath he bo v'd 
Hit h^id in meekness ; \ritir a pilgtlm's Csith 
Abjnr'd the idols of his native land; 
Pray*d for redeeming grace; and sighing deep. 
Dropped the lonetaar upon bis- Saviour's crass:; • . 
Then hence retiring with a patriot's care, 
Raled his brief realm, and kept his vow of peace. 
Ore, who 'midst the strife of battle, burn 
T¥nhlastoffanifrorpo«?r! Say, have jw felt, 
E'en in the glow of conquest, when the car 
In trinnifrti-bon yon arcr the tented fteld,- «i • • 
Felt ye a throb of joy so keenly sweet, 
Such thrilling taptun as did Oathrunfte]- - 
When free from ruthless rage and thirst oS blood, 
The sterm of vengeful passion tnll'd te rest, 
Here, prostrate at St Mary's shrine, he felt 
His'heart wHbiil him :y«arniii|r for liis God. 
Go stranger, if perchance to thee belong 
Tb^'hottMir'd namk'of father, •teach thy «»•, 
That not in deeds of rapine, or of spoil. 
Power's forceful arm, or victim's crimson slbel, 
Consists the virtue or the good of mans 
That He, who bade them breathe and five, alone 
Looks on the heart, alone vouchmfes to dwell 
In that pure bosom, where, with peace reside 
The sister forms of Piety and Love." 

» 

On the ascendancy of Alfred aqd the declen- 
sion of the Danish power, Mercia was governed 
as a province by Ethehred, who married Ethel- 
fleda, or Elfleda» the eldest daughter of his 
sovereign. 

Ethelfleda was a woman of superior under- 
standing, and extolled in the ancient Chronicles 
as the wisest lady in England :. her, brother Ed- 



16 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

ward governed his life, in its best actions, by 
her counsels. After she was married to the 
governor of Mercia, she built numerous cities 
and castles, and on all occasions displayed a 
statesman's skill, and an amazonian activity. 
The difficulties and sufferings of her first par- 
turition deterred her from the chance of a repe- 
tition ; she protested that it did not become a 
king's daughter to pursue any pleasure, which 
was attended with such inconvenience. 

In 912 Ethelfleda was a widow, but she con- 
tinued to govern Mercia until her death in 920. 
Among the numerous fortresses which she erec- 
ted to protect the Mercian territory in Shrop- 
shire and Herefordshire, were Wigmore, Bridg- 
north, and Chirbury. This celebrated lady 
died at Tamworth, and was buried at Glouces- 
ter, by St. Peter's Porch ; upon her tomb this 
Epitaph was written. — 

*<> Elfleda pottos, o terror yligo ▼ironim, 

O Elfleda potens, nomine diRna viri. 
Te qnoque splendidior fecit natura puellam, 

Te prubitas fecit nomea habere viri. 
Te mutare decet sed solum unmina sexns, 
^ Tq regina potens rexque tropbea parans. 
Jam nee Caesareos tantum mirere triumphos, 

Cseaare splendidior viigo, virago vale. 

Translation: — 

"O Princess, dread of Cambrians hostile baud, 

Elfleda, worthy of a manlier name ; 
A woman made by nature's liberal hand, 

Bat Tlrtae gave thee more than manly fiune. 
Thou mi|^hty queen whom kiogliiie trophies grace, 

still with thy sex thy fame will disagree ; 
Now we no m<»e Oesarcan triumphs praise. 

For Csesar^ boastdl cooqaeror, yields to thee/* 



STATE OF MERCIA. 17 

Id 883 Alfric occupied the dukedom of Mer- 
cia. Three years afterwards he was expelled 
the kiagdom. In 992 he was intrusted^ by 
Ethelred the unready, with the management of 
an expedition against the Danes, who had inva- 
ded the coasts. The expedition failed through 
his perfidy in joining the invaders ; to revenge 
which, the king barbarously put out the eyes of 
his son Algar* 

£dric, one of the favourites of Ethelred, was 
duke of Mercia in 1007. He was eloquent and 
crafty ; excelling all men in perfidy and cruelty. 
When, in 1013, Canute the Dane called to his 
aid Eric the Jarl, one of the rulers of Norway, 
and one of the sons of Hakon the bad, Edric 
crowned the treasons of his life, by joining the 
invading enemy. In this war&re Mercia was 
plundered without mercy. This infamous noble 
was again restored to his dukedom by Canute 
in 1016, but imprudently boasting of his ser- 
vices, and his treasons to his former sovereign, 
Canute's anger arose, and he ordered his attend- 
ants to put him to death in his presence. In 
1067 England lost Leofiric, the duke of Mercia^ 
by whose wisdom the reign of Edward the con- 
fessor, was preserved from many perils and dis- 
orders, which the ambition of others would have 
introduced : his son Algar succeeded him. 

The early part of the history of the content* 
C 



18 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

tions of the Britons and Saxons is so little di- 
versified, that it is reviewed rather with disgust 
than complacency ; it is a recital of reciprocal 
inroads and injuries, neitlier supplying a regular 
series of events to form a consistent history, nor 
affording scenes of sufficient interest to engage 
the imagination. Among the few exceptions to 
this general character of the rude and barbarous 
ages referred to, the aera of the renowned Arthur 
must not be forgotten ; he was a prince formed 
by nature to inspire a nation with chivalrous 
and dignified sentiments, and incite to great and 
worthy actions ; and the enthusiastic attachment 
of his countrymen is a proof of his worthiness. 
He is described as the most brav^,' the most 
witty, and the most liberal of all the british 
princes. When Uther expired, prefering death 
with glory to life with shame, and conquering 
even in his dying moments, Arthur was crowned 
king of Britain by Dubricious, Archbishop of 
Caerleon. The splendor of his court, his bra- 
iwry and generosity, made him the idol of his 
country, and insured success against his ene- 
mies. His fame and his genius drew around 
him all the choice spirits of the age, and in all 
occurrences of importance and difficulty^ he 
was aided in his councils, in the tower of heroes, 
by the advice of his attendant train of noblemen 
and knights. 

In the ninth century, Judith, the sister of Al- 



ROOBR DB MONTGOMERY. 19 

fired the greats was married to Baldwin with the 
iroD arm. Count of Flanders : the son of this 
marriage was Baldwin the bald. It was he who 
obtained the hand of Alfritha, the daughter of 
Alfred^ their offspring was Armilphy who is men* 
tioned with expressions of celebrity, and who 
succeeded his father in 918. From a descen- 
dant of Amulph was bom Matilda, the wife of 
William the Conqueror. 

At the time of the Norman invasion, in the 
year 1066, Edwin, the son of Algar, and grand- 
son of Leofric and the celebrated Godiva, was 
Earl of Mercia : he was extolled for beauty of 
person, and benevolence of disposition. This 
Earl, with Morcar, Edric the wild, and several 
other nobles, made formal submission to the 
Conqueror, but afterwards rebelled, and being 
overcome in an engagement with the monarch, 
were all slain, or taken and imprisoned for life ; 
except Edric, who occupying his castle of Wig- 
more, sustained a long and arduous contest with 
the forces sent against him, under the command 
of Roger de Montgomery and Ranulph Mortimer. 
Edric, at last compelled to surrender, was sent 
prisoner to the king, and, for having completed 
this undertaking, Mortimer was rewarded by 
the gift of Wigmore Castle and its appendages ; 
and Montgomery had granted to him all Ekiric's 
possessions in Salop, comprehending nearly the 
whole of that county. 



30 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

The fate of Edwin and of Morcar is feelingly 
related by Ordericus, a contemporary writer, 
from whom the following is a translation* ''King 
Wiliiam,'" says he, "seduced by wicked counsel, 
injured his fair fame by fraudulently entrapping in 
the isle of Ely the illustrious Earl Morcar, who 
was neither plotting, nor suspecting, any evil. 
This was effected in the following manner. When 
the king knew that the Earl was in that island, 
he sent certain perfidious emissaries, who advised 
him to surrender himself to the royal authority, 
and assured him of a gracious reception. In 
these false assertions the Earl simply confided, 
and leaving his strong holds in the isle, repaired 
to William, who, apprehensive lest by his in- 
fluence the English might be excited to revolt, 
threw him into chains, and kept him in prison all 
his life, under the ward of Roger de Beaumont. 
When the comely youth Edwin heard this, he 
burned with revenge : six months did he pass in 
craving assistance from Scotland, Wales, and 
Ireland. Thus employed he was betrayed by 
three brothers, his principal confidants; and 
while with twenty horsemen he defended himself 
against the Normans, he was slain on the banks 
of a river, from which he could not escape, on 
account of a high tide. His death was lamented 
by men of all parties : bom, as he was, of reli- 
gious parents, and inclined to many virtues, not* 
withstanding the worldly affairs in which he was 



ROGER DB MONTGOMERY. ' 21 

engaged ; his person was remarkably handsomey 
and he was an especial benefactor to clerks, to 
monks, and to the poor. The king wept when 
he heard of the treason by which this Mercian 
Earl fell, and banished from his presence the 
traitors who brought to him their master's head." 

It cannot be ascertained at what precise time 
Ludlow became distinguished either as a town 
or fortress ; it is recorded in a chonicle of the 
Fitz Guarines, that ''Roger de Montgomery erec- 
ted the greatest part of the castle, and fortified 
the town with walls." We cannot but suppose 
a town was found here previous to its being so 
encircled and defended ; it may also be inferred, 
that in the times and place alluded to, a town 
and a fortress must have been coincident with 
each other : be this as it may, it is the general 
opinion of writers on the subject, that the pre- 
sent castle was completed by this nobleman. 

It is true this statement has been disputed, 
bat as inconsistencies are observable in all ac- 
coants of the affairs of this frontier district, 
during the periods referred to, we shall retain 
that which has been most generally adopted. 

Roger de Montgomery was related to the 
Conqueror ; led the centre division of his army 
in that memorable battle which secured the 
conquest of England, and was advanced to the 
Earldoms of Arundel and Shrewsbury. 

His first wife was Mabel, daughter and heir- 



22 . HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

ess to William Talvace, (son of William^ son of 
Ivo d€ Belesme, a person of great power and 
note in Normandy,) with whom he had a large 
inheritance. By this Mabel he had five sons 
and four daughters ; of whom Robert de Belesme 
was the eldest. 

Montgomery is represented in history as a 
person no less distinguished for piety than 
valour. He was the liberal founder of many^ 
rich monasteries and churches, particularly the 
monastery of Wenlock, and the abbey church of 
Shrewsbury, in which he was buried, and where 
there is yet to be seen an image of him found 
among the ruins of Wenlock monastery, with an 
inscription, stating that it was placed there by 
his Majesty's heralds at arms in the year 1622. 
He died on the 27th of July, 1094, his son Ro- 
bert succeeding to his Norman property, and 
Hugh, his second son, inheriting his English 
titles and estates, became Lord of Ludlow cas- 
tle, which he did not enjoy long, being suddenly 
taken off in the prime of life. The account of 
his death is found in the Welch Chronicle, page 
166. 

*<The year following being 1096, Hugh de 
Mountgomerie Earl of Arundell and Salopsburie, 
whom the Welchmen call Hugh Goch, that is to 
say, Hugh the red-headed ; and Hugh Vrds, 
that is, Hugh the fat. Earl of Chester, and a 
great number of nobles more, did gather a huge 



ROBBRT DE BBLBSME. 23 

armie, and entred into North Wales, beiog there- 
to moved by certein lords of the country/' &c. 
"And so the Earls came over against the ile of 
MAn, or Anglesey, where they did build a Cas- 
tel of Aberlhiennhawc. Then the Earls spoiled 
the ile and slew all that they found there. And 
at the verie same time Magnus, the sonne of 
Haroald, came with a great navie of ships to- 
wards England, minding to laie faster hold upon 
thatkingdome than his father had done, and 
being driven by chaunce to Anglesey, would have 
landed there, but the Earls kept him from the 
land. And there Magnus with an arrowe stroke 
Hugh, Earl of Salop, in the face, that he died 
thereof, and suddenlie either part forsook the 
ile, and the Englishmen returned to England, 
and left Owen ap Edwyn prince in the land, who 
had allured them thither.*' The Earl was buried 
in the abbey of St. Werburgh, which he had 
founded at Chester. 

Robert, on the death of his brother, succeeded 
to the Earldoms of Shrewsbury and Arundel in 
England. He was knighted in Normandy by 
William the Conqueror in the year 1073, and 
became a great favourite of that Prince ; but no 
sooner was the king dead, than his turbulent 
and rebellious disposition began to shew itself. 
He seized on several of the royal forts and 
garrisons, and joined with Odo, Earl of Kent, 
against William Rufus, with whom a reconciiia- 



24 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

tion was, however, effected. He afterwards 
took part with Robert Curtois# against king 
Henry I. and on being summoned to answer the 
treasonable charges alledged against him, fled 
to his castles which he had strongly fortified ; 
but at last he was under the necessity of implo- 
ring the royal mercy. The king confiscated 
his estates, deprived him of his honours, and 
banished him the realm. Yet the wealth which 
he had treasured up in thirty-four strong castles 
supported him sufficiently ; but his restless spi- 
rit formed new conspiracies even in exile, which 
were carried to such a dangerous length, that 
the king, considering that no favour could win 
him, nor oath or promise oblige, summoned him 
before his court of justice, where he was by 
judgment committed to close imprisonment, and 
sufficiently secured for the remainder of his life. 
His character has been drawn by an ancient 
historian, as a very subtle, crafty, and deceitful 
man; big of body, strong, bold; powerful in 
arms, and eloquent ; but exceedingly cruel, co- 
vetous, and libidinous. A person of great in- 
sight in serious affairs, and unwearied in his 
management of worldly business; likewise a 
most ingenious architect; but for inflicting tor- 
menta, a most inexorable butcher. No firiend 
to the church, but a vile and wretched oppress 
sor; for which he underwent the sentence of 
excommunication by the venerable Serlo, Bishop 



LORDS MARCHERS. 25 

of Sees, all his lands being interdicted, so that 
there was no burial therein, yet nothing was he 
reformed by any of these means. In brief, his 
character can only be paralleled by that of the 
most cruel tyrant that was ever known; his 
severity being exercised not only on strangers, 
but even friends and familiars ; glorying and 
making his boast amongst his parasites of these 
his unparalleled inhumanities* He took to wife 
Agnes, the daughter of Guy, Earl of Penthien, 
whom he used most barbarously. This Earl 
possessed the castle of Ludlow until his attain- 
der, when it came into the possession of king 
Henry I. by whom it was made a princely resi- 
dence, greatly augmented in the strength of its 
works and supplied with a numerous garrison. 

The frequent skirmishes and battles between 
the Welsh and their frontier enemies were pro- 
ductive of great slaughter and losses to both 
parties, and the kings of England often sent 
powerful armies, and some in person invaded 
their coasts, and drove them into the mountain- 
ous and uninhabited parts^ but were never aUe 
to penetrate into tfate heart of the country with- 
out great loss to themselves, and little annoy- 
ance to the Welsh. This want of success was 
occasioned by the strait passes and intricate 
windings among mountains and bogs, which fa- 
voured the flight of men habituated to these 
rugged and apparently inaccessible retreats. 



26 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

However in process of time, they lost much of 
their low frontier country, but they by no means 
allowed their enemies to possess their acquis!* 
tions in peace and quietness. 

The english monarchs perceiving this warfare 
to be very troublesome and hazardous, (as 
Henry U. fatally experienced when he attempt- 
ed to march his army over Berwin mountains, 
nearly the whole being destroyed by cold and 
famine,) were therefore induced to grant to cer- 
tain english gentlemen of enterprising disposi- 
tions, such portions of the country as they could 
gain from the Welsh by force of arms at their 
own expense. And this conquered territory they 
allowed them and their heirs to hold freely of 
the crown, per Baroniam, with the exercise of 
royal jurisdiction therein : hence they were cal- 
led Lords, or Barons, Marchers ; and all the 
foundation of their title was by assumption and 
permission, and not by grant ; for no grant of 
this nature was ever known to have been recor- 
ded, either in the tower or elsewhere. 

Allured by these promises, many noblemen^ 
and other persons of distinction, raising armies, 
marched into Wales, and, after various succes- 
ses and changes of fortune, dispossessed the 
Welsh of a considerable extent of country. 

About the time of the Norman Conquest, 
several large garrisoned towns were built on the 
frontiers of* Wales, viz. Bristol, Gloucester, 



KINO STEPHEN. 27 

Worcester, Salop, and Chester* Secure in these 
fortresses, the adventarers, by frequent incur- 
sions' into the low and flat countries, prosecuted 
a Tery destructive warfare against their oppo- 
nents, and by force or stratagem drove them 
from their possessions. 

Peter Corbett held the manor of Caur»e: 
Theobald de Vernon had Mahly: Mortimer, 
Wigmore: Fitz-Allen, Chm: &c. and all those 
Lords Marchers executed laws of sovereign go* 
vernors on their tenants and people, which Ihe 
kings of England thought prudent to permit for 
a time. A similar policy, as we learn from the 
historian Lampridius, was used with respect to 
lands on the confines of Scotland, and in both 
instances savage and ferocious border wars 
continued for ages. 

After the accession of Stephen, the governor 
of Ludlow Castle, Gervase Paganelle,* having 
betrayed his trust in joining the Empress Maud, 
Stephen besieged it ; in which attack some say 
he succeeded, others on the contrary represent 
the attempt as completely unsuccessful. The 
most prevailing opinion is that the governor re- 
penting, wished to obtain the king*s forgiveness, 
and succeeded in gaining advantageous terms of 
submission for himself and the garrison, on 
which the Castle was surrendered, a. d. 1139. 

During this siege the Earl of Northumberland, 
son of David king of Scotland, driven on by ju- 



28 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

venile boldness, had nearly fallen a victim to his 
indiscretion; approaching too near the walls, 
on horseback, he was on the point of losing his 
life by means of a grappling engine thrown oat 
by the besieged. From this perilous situation 
he was extricated by the king, who hastened in- 
stantly to his relief, and having cut asunder with 
his sword the ropes to which the iron hooks 
were fixed, saved the young prince, at the im- 
minent danger of his own life. "An action,** says 
Rapin, '^which redounded as much to the ho* 
nour of the king, as of the prince for whom he 
testified so great an affection. 

About the year 1176 Henry II. made a grant 
of this noble Castle to Fulke Fitz Warine his 
favourite, surnamed de Dinan, together with 
that extensive and fertile vale on the banks of 
the river Corve, called Corve-Dale. 

To this Fulke Fitz Warine de Dinan, suc- 
ceeded Joccas de Dinan ; between whom and 
Hugh de Mortimer, Lord of Wigmore, great 
dissensions arose ; insomuch that Joccas could 
not pass out of his castle without danger of be- 
ing taken by Mortimer's men. But it so hap- 
pened, that Mortimer himself setting spies upon 
Joccas, and roving through the woods alone, 
was surprised in the thickets contiguous to 
Whitecliffe Heath, by some men who had been 
sent to cut wood for the garrison^ by whom he 
was taken prisoner into the Castle of Ludlow, 



FULKB FIT2; WARINB. 29 

and confined in one of the towers, which to this 
day is called Mortimer's Tower, from whence he 
was not released until he had paid three thou- 
sand marks of silver for his ransom. An amazing 
sum, if we consider the fi^reat difference between 
the value of money at that period and the present* 
It is not clearly ascertained from history at 
what time the Lacy fieunily first possessed the Cas* 
tie of Ludlow, but in the grant made to Robert, 
Earl of Leicester, of the Earldom of Hereford, 
we find the name of Hugh de Lacy, with an ac- 
knowledgment of a formei^ claim that the family 
had to the possessions granted to Gotso, or Joe* 
cas. The deed in question, was made in the last 
year of the reign of Stephen. ''If he can arrange 
matters with Gotso de Dinant," says the king, "I 
freely grant that the said GoUo may hold his fee, 
which had been Hugh de Lacy*s, of the Earl." It 
was during the time it was possesied by Gotso, 
or Joccas, that Lacy boldly attempted to make 
good his claim by force of arms, in which he fi- 
nally succeeded. During the contest, Hugh and 
his friend. Sir Arnold de lisle, were taken cap- 
tive and confined in the ''prison of Pendover with- 
in the Castle of Ludlow." In which state of sus- 
pense they probably remained a considerable 
time, at the mercy of their enemy. However it is 
recorded that an amour with a gentlewoman of 
the household of Sir Joccas, supplied de Lisle 
with the means of escape. Soon ^fter returning 



30 HISTORY Of LUDLOW. 

with a sufficient force they were secretly admitted 
into the Castle by their female inamorato, and 
the unfortunate Sir Joccas was deprived of his 
possessions. The too late repentance of this a- 
bandoned woman drove her to the madness of des- 
peration, and in her frenzy she destroyed herself. 

The following curious account in Leland'g 
Collectanea, Tom. 1. p. 231, refers to this 
period. 

''Thinges excerptid oute of an old Englisch 
boke yn ryme of the Gestes of Guarine and his 
sunnes. William Conqueror toke counsel of 
Corbet and Mortimer for strenkething of his 
marches about the quarters of Shropshire agayn 
the Walchmen. The burge of Shrobbesburi was 
commited to the cure of Roger de Belesme, where 
he made a castel Alberbyri and Alleston was 
committed to Guarine de Mees. Alane FleiU 
sone had gyven to him Oswaldestre, Payne Pev- 
erel, that lovid welle hunting had Whitington 
with al the lordship. Payne Peverel had no is*- 
sue ; but his sister had a sunne cauUid William, 
a worthy knight^ that won the hundredes of £1- 
lesmere, and Meilor, and other mo. This Willi- 
am had issue eleven daughters, whereof Helene 
was married to Alane's heyre : and Mellet the 
secunde, wold have none but a knight of very 
nobil hardines. Wherefore her father promised 
by crye that noble yong men should meate at 
Peverel's place in the Peke, and he that provid 



FULKB 7ITZ WARINB. 31 

hymself yn feates of armes, shoald have Mellet 
hiB Houghter^ with the castle of Whitington. 
Guarine cam to this enterprice, and ther faate 
with a sunne of the king of Scotland, and also 
with a Baron of Burgoyne, and vanquished them 
bothe. Guarine had a sheld of sylver, and a 
proude pecock upon his heaulme create. Gua- 
rine wedded Mellet, and had a sunne cauUid 
Fulco. J00S9 a knight, was left as governer to 
yong Fulco. Guarine and he defendid his lands 
agayne one Walter, the greatest of the marche 
lorde oute of Lacy and Ludlow. They met at a 
bent by Bourne, at a bridge ende a litle from 
Ludlow. Joos bare a sheld of sylver, with thre 
blew lyons coronid with gold. 

Joos had a daughter caullid Hawise, whom 
Fulco Gwarine entirely lovid, and seying her in 
great dolour, askid the cause of her sorrow, aqd 
she answerid that it was no matier for an hauker 
to amende: and he upon that toke hise and spere 
to rescew Joos her father, as one Godarde was 
about to streke of his hede ; so that Godarde 
was slayne of him, and Gualter Lacy dryven a- 
way. Then Joos recovered a horse and sore 
wountlid Syr Arnold that did hym much hurt. 
Tber Fulco killid one Andrew, a knight longging 
to Walter Lacy. Gualter Lacy and Syr Arnold 
were taken prisoners and put in the Castel of 
Ludlow, in a prison caullid Pendouer. 

A gentilwoman, cauUid Manon, deliverid 



32 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

both these knighttes by treason oute of Pen* 
doner, for love of Syr Arnold de Lis» one of them 
that promised her falsely marriage. Fulco Gua- 
rine weddid Hawise, doughter to Joos, at Lud- 
low Castel. Joos and Fulco Guarine toke a 
journey into Ireland ; Marion larried, faining 
siknes, behind, and write a lettre to her love Syr 
Arnold de Lis, to cum secretely to her up into 
the Castel with a lader of leder and cordes. 
Arnold cam according to Marion's desier, and 
had his pleasure of her ; and sone after cam his 
band, and secretely scalinge the waJles killed the 
Castellanes. Then Marion, seeing this treason, 
lept out of a towre and brake her nek ; and Ar- 
nold killed after many of the burgeses of Ludlow 
toune, sparing nother wife, widow, nor childe. 
Walter Lacy, hearing that the Castel and 
toune of Ludlow was won, cam with his band 
thither, and mannid and vitailid Ludlow, keping 
it as his owne. This tidinges was told to Joos, 
lying at Lamboume. Joos and Fulco, and his 
father Guarine, cam to rescue Ludlow; and in 
assaulting of it killid many of Lacy*s men. Then 
Lacy, with a band of men, cam oute to fight 
with them ; but he lesing many men, was fayne 
to recoyle into the toune. Sone after this, 
Guarine de Meese waxed very sike, and so goy- 
ing to Albourby he dyed there within VII dayes, 
and was buried in the new abbay, Fulco his 
sunne and Mellet his wife being present. Fulco 



FULKB FITZ WARINE. 33 

returnid to help Joos. Gualter Lacy sent to 
the prince of Wales for help, and he cam, wyn- 
ning by the way Whitington ; and Deonoan, a 
place about Ludlow, wither the prince of Wales 
with his, resortid to help Lacy. 

Fulco Guarine hurte the prince of Wales in 
the shoulder, and drave hym to a castel, caullid 
Cay home, where Cay had be lorde, and there 
asseging by three days part of the princes men, 
kiUid many of them at a certen issue. Fulco 
was woundid, and yet roode to mete king Henry 
.by Glocestre, of whom he was welle interteynid 
as his kinnesman, and there he had his wounde 
that Arnold*s brother gave him yn the' waste 
welle helid. King Henry made Fuike a knight, 
and steward of his house, and lorde and gover- 
nor of thos marchis. This Fulco Guarine had a 
Sonne by his wife Hawise, likewise callid Fulco." 

The male line of the Lacies became extinct 
on the death of the first Hugh, but the name 
was revived in the person of his nephew. It 
was this second Hugh de Lacy to whom Henry 
IL gave the Earldom of Ulster ; and it is pre- 
sumed he was sanctioned in retaining possession 
of Ludlow by the same monarch. 

In the fifth of Richard I. Gilbert.Talbot had 
lands given him for the custody of Ludlow Cas- 
tle, and eight years afterwards, 1198, Hubert, 
Archbishop of Canterbury, and Primate of Eng- 



34 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

land, took possession of Ludlow Castle on 
behalf of the king, and committed it to the care 
of new governors. 

Anno gratias millesimo centesimo nonagesimo. 
octavo, Hubertus, &c. fuit in Walli^, et recepit « ' 
in manu sui Castellum de Ludelaw, &c. expul- 
sit inde custodibus, qui ea diu custodierant ; et ^ 
tradidit ea aliis custodibus custodienda ad opus . 
Regis. Haveden Annul, p. 775, 

In the eighth year of the reign of king John, 
we find this castle remaining in the possession 
of the crown, and it was then conferred on Philip 
de Albani, who intermediately enjoyed it until 
it again devolved to the ancient family of the 
L&cies. Walter de Lacy, and Gilbert his son, 
granted great possessions in and near the town 
of Ludlow, for the support of the hospital of St. 
John the Baptist, founded by Peter Undergod, 
soon after the conquest. This hospital stood 
near Ludford bridge, contiguous to Ludlow, in 
a plac^ called to this day St. John's close. 

Walter de Lacy died in the year 1241, the 
twenty^fifth year of Henry IIL his estates 
descending, in default of male heirs, to his two. 
grandaughters, Margery and Maud. 

In the twenty-eighth of Henry III. A. d. 
1244, GeofiVey de Genevill having married Maud 
the niece and one of the co-heirs of Walter de 
Lacy, obtained the king's precept to the Sheriff yl 
of Herefordshire for setting forUi her purparty, j 



> 



h 

^-^ LLBWBUN AP GRIFFITH. 95 

upon partition of the lands of the said Walter ; 
\ ^ whereupon the Castle of Ludlow with its mem- 
<V^ hers, was in part thereof assigned to her» and 

> beeaine the inheritance of her son Peter de 

^; Genevill. 

V \ ^ From the death of Llewelin the great in 1240 
^ . tX to the death of the second Llewelin, and the 

"^ \\ execution of David at Shrewsbury in ISSS, the 
.'j -' Marchers were engaged in continual warfare, 
y "^ It appears from a writ of the king, addressed to 
^ V Sir Ralph Basset of Drayton, that on his land- 

f. ^ ing at Dover, on the eve of St. Thomas the 
s^ N^' Apostle, (December 20th.) he was informed 

. n\. that Llewelin and his accomplices, unmindful of 

V N their fealty pledged to him, and in violation of 
". s^ the truce, had hostilely seized certain castles, 
"^ \ &c. of his liege subjects. The writ, in conse- 
quence, summons Basset to be at Hereford on 

^ January 9th. 1262— *3 ; and he afterwards calls 

^ certain of the Lords Marchers, namely, Roger 

\ Y a"^ Hugh Mortimer, John Fitz Alan, both the 

*^ John le Stranges, elder and younger, Hamo le 

^ >* Strange, Thomas Corbet, Griffith ap Wennewin, 

3 ^ Fulke Fitz Warine, Ralph de Botiler, and Walter 

\^ v<^ de Dunstanville, to meet James de Aldithle at 

^ "Ludlow on the octaves of the purification. In 

the severe conflict which ensued it required the 

prompt and active exertions of Prince Edward, 

/V &<■ ^^11 &^ ^^^ sovereign ; and though the gallant 

prince, soon compelled Llewelin to take refuge 






I 



36 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

in the strong holds of Snowdon, yet such was 
the unsettled state of affairs at this juncture, 
that Edward was unable effectually to restrain 
the incursions of the Welsh » being hastily sum- 
moned to London y for the purpose of opposing 
the rebellious attempts of De Montford and the 
Earl of Leicester. 

Early in the spring of 1264 Montford marched 
his army from Worcester into these parts, and 
took possession of Bridgnorth, and of Shrews- 
bury. The fatal convention at Lewes, soon af- 
terwards threw the king into the hands of Lei- 
cester and his party. Roger Mortimer and the 
principal of the Lords Marchers took up arms 
to rescue their captive sovereign, and opposing 
the united forces of De Montfort and Liewelin, 
were overcome, and compelled to submit to their 
opponents and sign a treaty concluded at Mont- 
gomery. The victors having previously taken 
the castles of Hereford, Hay, and Ludlow, and 
ravaged the estates of Mortimer. 

lu 1276 — 7, Edward L having constituted 
Roger de Mortimer his general against the 
Welsh, and having issued a pardon to all of 
that nation who would desert Liewelin ap Grif- 
fith, ''our rebel'* (as he calls him), summoned 
the army, by writ issued at Windsor, Dec. 12, 
to meet at Worcester, in the octave of St. John 
Baptist, and to encrease his force to the utmost, 
directed that Bishops and Abbots should not be 



LLBWEUN AP GRIFFITH. 37 

excused from serving, and that the Sheriffs 
should summon all the tenants in capite. The 
king himself left Shrewsbury for Wales on the 
16th. of October in the Autumn following, and 
his operations were so vigorous that Llewelin 
was obliged to submit to the hard conditions of 
the conqueror before the end of the year. A 
new struggle commenced in the beginning of the 
year 1282. Llewelin having long with difficulty 
suppressed the indignant feelings of pride and 
resentment, and suffering under the oppressions 
of the English ministers, again was roused to 
attempt an unequal warfare against the king. 
Edward expressed great concern and deep re^^ 
sentment on account of what he pleases to term 
ingratitude in the Welsh Prince, as we learn from 
his letter to the kmg of Castile, excusing him- 
self from lending his assistance against the Sa- 
racens. ''Before your messengers came,'' says 
he, "namely, in the time of the Lord's passion, 
when Judas betrayed our Lord, our traitors, 
Llewelin ap Griffith and David his brother who 
were our familiars and counsellors, traitorously 
rose against us with all their Welsh, invading 
the lands of our march, killing our lieges, and 
burning our villages and towns." 

On this occasion Edward, by sending a pow- 
erful army against the insurgents, had the satis- 
faction of bringing the contest to a speedy close ; 
the ill-fated Llewelin fell near Builth, on Friday 



38 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

Dec. 11. This Prince was said to be slain se« 
ditiously ; from which is to be infered that the 
fatal wound was received in the straggles of a 
croud, and that several contended for the ho- 
nour of killing him. He was unarmed, and there 
were found in the sleeve of his vest, his signet, 
and a written paper containing feigned names 
and darkly mysterious expressions, from which 
(says the Archbishop of Canterbury in his letter 
to the Court) ''it appears that certain Noblemen 
near the Welsh, either marchians or other, are 
disaflfected to our lord the king." His grace 
adds ; "Dame Mahaud Longespeye prayed me 
to pronounce sentence of absolution upon the 
prince, to the intent that he might be interred 
in holy ground :" but that he deoUned doing, un- 
less she would bring evidence that Llewelin dis- 
covered signs of repentance in his last moments. 
This benevolent lady was oousin^german to 
the deceased, being the daughter and sole heir- 
ess of Waiter de Clifford, lord of Corfton and 
Culmington near Ludlow, by Margaret, daughter 
of Llewelin the great. Her first husband, Wil- 
liam Longspe, was son of William Earl of Salis- 
bury ; but she was at this time wife of John 
Gifford of Brimfield, who little partook of her 
sentiments, if it be true that he sent the unfor- 
tunate Prince's head to London, to be fixed on 
the Tower, encircled with a wreath of ivy, in 
derisicm of those claims to the crown of Britain, 



DAVID AP GRIFFITH. 39 

to which he was encouraged hy his bards to as* 
pire : it has been said that Edward, aware of the 
inflaence which these venerable men possessed 
over the minds of their countrymen, caused all 
who fell into his hands to be put to death. 

Before the end of the year 1283 the destruc- 
tion of the British dynasty was completed, and 
the unfortunate David, with his wife and chil- 
dren, brought to the king, who, however, refu- 
sed to comply with the earnest entreaty of the 
miserable captive to throw himself at his majes- 
tv's feet. He was sent in chains to stand before 
the tribunal of his enemies, at Shrewsbury. 
With every reasonable presumption of descent 
and national preference, conceiving himself to 
be an independent Prince, he was tried as a 
vassal to the crown of England. He was not 
permitted to dispute the fact of his vassalage, 
neither was it the usage of that age to allow 
an advocate to plead his cause ; his brief trial 
ended in his being condemned to a cruel and ig- 
nominious death ; being the first who suffered 
the penalty of the then new Law of Treason. 
He was dragged by horses to the place of exe* 
cntion^ even, as is supposed, without a hurdle 
to lay on ; hung up and taken down alive ; and 
his bowels taken out and burned before his 
face ; and when at length beheaded and relea- 
sed from his misery, his body divided into 
quarters, and his head conveyed to that of his 



40 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

brother in London : a consomination of barba- 
rian cruelty altogether adverse to every princi- 
ple of justice and deserving universal execration; 
though sanctioned by a law which yet disgraces 
the country by being retained in our statute 
books. 

In the thirty-first of Edward L A. D. 1303, 
Roger de Mortimer married Joane, the widow of 
Peter de Genevill, son of Geoffrey de Genevill, 
and became Lord of Ludlow Castle. In the four- 
teenth of Edward 11. a. d, 1321, having united 
himself with the discontented Barons of the 
realm, he was committed a prisoner to the Tow- 
er, from which he found means to escape, a. d. 
1323 ; and in memory of this deliverance he cau- 
sed a chapel to be built in honour of St. Peter, 
in the outer ward of Ludlow Castle, for one 
priest to celebrate mass perpetually therein. 

This distinguished personage, raised by a 
daring course of crimes to that "bad eminence" 
from which he was at last precipitated, vms 
created Earl of March in the first year of Ed- 
ward III. He was afterwards made Justice of 
Wales by that monarch, whom he entertained 
most sumptuously during his progress into the 
Marches of Wales, at his castles of Ludlow and 
Wigmore. 

The reign of the second Edward had been 
disgraced by the wickedness and cruelty which 
follows a system of favoritism ; and weakly sub- 



ROGER DB MORTIMER. 41 

mittiDg to the guidance of a depraved woman 
and her partizans, he altimately lost his crown 
and his life. ''Never/' says Speed, ''did Eng* 
lish earth at one time drink so much blood of 
her noblesy in so vile a manner shed ; their ene- 
mies, not contented with their blood, procured 
also the confiscation of their estates and inheri- 
tances." "But, Mortimer,'* exclaims the his- 
torian, "there will be a time, when the cry of 
this, and other blood sacrificed to thy private 
revenge, (whilst thou abusest the public trust) 
will never give over the pursuit, till it hath de- 
servedly drawn thine in lieu thereof." 

"iVemem, or rather God's vengeance, with 
swift pace did now approach and summon Mor- 
timer tp a bloody account. Oh what enchant- 
ments' are honour and power to the minds of men ! 
how suddenly and how strangely do they blow 
up the same with the contempt of others, and 
forgetfnlness of themselves ? Certainly the frail 
state of man's constitution is clearly seen in this 
high lord, who, drunken with felicity, and fear- 
ing neither God nor man, fell into utter confu- 
sion when he least feared." Mortimer was at 
last seized by the king himself, assisted by his 
attendants, in Nottingham Castle. 

"There was in the Castle of Nottingham (and 
at this day is) a certain secret way or mine, cut 
through a rock, upon which the said castle is 
built, one issue whereof openeth toward the 



42 HISTORY OF LUDLOW, 

river which roDs uoder it, and the other venteth 
itself far within open the surface, and is (at this 
present]| called Mortimer's hole ; through this 
the young king (Edward III.) well armed, and 
strongly seconded, was conducted by some of 
his trusty and sworn servants, with drawn 
swords, up to the Queen's chamber, whose 
door was unshut, and with her was Mortimer, 
ready to goto bed, whom, with the slaughter of 
a knight, and one or two that resisted, they laid 
hold upon. This was not reputed a slender en- 
terprise, in regard that in Mortimer's retinue 
were not fewer than one hundred and three score 
knights, beside esquires and gentlemen.'" The 
articles of impeachment against Mortimer are 
to be found as follows in the celebrated poem 
of the **Mirrow of Moffigtraies" 

"Five hainoiit crimes tgaiut him foon weie had. 
1. First that he canade the King to yeeld the Scott, 
(Tb make a peaee) townes that were from him got. 
And therewithal! the Charter called Ragman; 



% That of the Scots he had bribed privy gaine. 

" " -IwaidofC 

W wi 
4. That witti his Prince's mother he had laine. 



3. Tliat ^moflii his meanes Sr. Edward of Caraaryon 
In Barkky Castle most traiterousW was slain. 



S. And finally with poUine at his pleasnre, 

Bad rob'd the King and Commons of their tressore." 

''But the most barbarous murder of the 
King's father, and especially the dishonourable 
peace and contract with the then professed ene- 
mies of En^and, were principally insisted upon 
as heinons treason. He was after sentence igno*- 
miniously drawn to Tybum, the common place 
of execution, liien called the Elmes, and there 



DVKB OF LANCASTER. 43 

Upon the common gallows was as ignominiously 
executed* hanging (by the King's commandment) 
two days and two nights, a public ami gladsome 
spectacle." This happened in the year 1330* 
A grandson of the Earl, of the same name, suc- 
ceeded to his title and estates, who, desirous of 
possessing the Lordship of Ludlow entire, gave 
the manor of Crendon, in Buckinghamshire, to 
Sir William de Ferrars of Groby, in exchange 
for that moiety of this manor and town which 
had descended to the Ferrars family, 

Ludlow continued for a long series of years in 
the possession of the Mortimers, from whom 
descended a great and noble family in the chief 
line of it; it abo branched forth into the con- 
siderable ones of Richard's Castle, Attilbury, 
Chirk, and Chilmarch, all barons and great men 
in their generations; of whom Sir William Dug- 
dale mentions, — ''How great, how pious, how 
numerous these Mortimers were, and lastly how 
honourably the name went out, being wri4>t up 
in the crown by an heir general." 

In 1399 Henry Duke of Lancaster on his 
route into Wales to circumvent the unfortunate 
Richard IL passed through Ludlow, to join the 
Lords Scales and Bardolph, Sir Robert and Sir 
John Legh, and other gentlemen of Cheshire ; 
and at this period the conflict between the 
houses of York and Lancaster began, when on 
the deposition of Richard, the Duke ascended 



44 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

the throne under the title of Henry IV. and the 
Mortimer family from this period became dis- 
tinguished as competitors with the Lancastrians 
for the English crown. 

Henry was the son of John of Gaunt, Duke of 
LAncaster, fourth son of Edward III. His title 
however was not a just one, for Lionel, Duke of 
Clarence, third son of Edward HI. left a daugh- 
ter named Philippa, from whom descended the 
House of Yor|^. 

Edmund Mortimer, uncle to Richard Planta- 
genet, having been declared heir apparent to the 
crown by Richard IL previous to that Prince's 
unfortunate Irish expedition, was on that account 
kept a close prisoner during the whole of the 
reigns of Henry IV. and Henry V. His confe- 
rence with his nephew, as given by our great dra- 
matic bard, is in a high degree interesting. 

SCENE, A PRISON. 

Enier Mortimer, brougJU in a chair, and Jaihrs, 

Mar, Kind keepen of my weak dfcayiog age 
Let dyiog Morttmer oere rest himaelf. 
E'en like n man new haled from the rack, 
So Cure my limbs with long impriaonment: 
And these grey locka, the pumiiTants of death, 
Nestor like ased in an age of cara, 
Argne the end of Edmixod Mortimer. 
These eyes, like lamps whose wasted oil is spent, 
IVax dim, as drawing to their exigent 
Weak shonldeis orerbume with burthening grief. 
And pithless arms, like to a withered vine 
That droops his sapless branches to the grooad t 
Yet are these feet, whose strengthless stay is numb, 

g[Jnable to support this lump Mclay) 
wift- winged with denre to get a grave; 
As witting, I no other comfort have. 
Bat tell me keeper, will my nephew come? 
Keep* Richard Plantagenet, my Lord, will oome_ 



EDMUND MORTIMER. 45 

M€ir. Enough; my toal then sball be aatisff *d. 
Poor greDtleman, bis wrong dotb equal mine. 
Since Henry Monmouth first began to reign, 
(Before whoee glory I was great m arms,) 
This loatlisome sequestration have 1 bad ; 
And even since then, hath Richard been obicorM, 
Deprived of honour and inbentance. 
But now the arbitrator of despairs. 
Just death, kind umpire of men*s miseries. 
With sweet enlw^mentdoth dismiss me hence. 

£ii^«r 'BkihaTd PkuUagenet. 

Keep. Mjy Lord, vour loving nephew now is oome. 
3for. Ricbard Flantagenet, my friend, is be eome? 
l*lan I noble uncle, tbus ignobly ns*d ; 

Your nephew, 
M4>r, Direct mine arms, I may embrace his neck. 

And in his bosom spend my latest gasp. 

Oh, tell me, when my lips do touch his cheeks; 

That I may kiudly give one feinting kiss. 
Plan, First lean thine aged back against mine arm ; 

And now, good nucle, for my ftther's sake. 

In honour of a true Vlantagenet, 

And for alliance sake, declare the cause 

My father Earl of Cambridge lost his head. 
Mor. This cause, fair nephew, that imprisoned me ; 

And hath detained me all my flow'riug youth 

Within a loathsome dungeon, there to pine. 

Was cursed instrument of his decease. 
Plan. Discover more at large what cause that was, 

For I am ignorant and cannot guess. 
MffT. I will. If that my fading breath permit; - 

And death approach not. ere my tale be done. 

Henry the fourth, grandfather to this king. 

Deposed his cousin Richard, Edward's son : 

The first begotten, and the lawful heir 

Of Edward, king, the third of that descent. 

During whose reign the Pereies of the north. 

Finding his usurpation most unjust. 

Endeavoured my advancement to the throne. 

The reason mov'd these warlike lords to this, 

Was, for that young king Richard tlras remov'd, 

Leaving no heir begotten of bis body, 

I was the next by birth and parentage. 

But mark ; as in this haughty fp«at attempt 

They laboured to plant the rightful heir; 

I lost my liberty and they their lives. 

Long after this, when Henry the fifth. 

After his fkther Bolingbroke, did reign. 

Thy father. Earl of Cambridge, (then deriv'd 

Vnim famous Edmund Laugtey, Duke of York, 

Marrying my sister, that thy mother was) ; 

Again in pity of my .hard distress 

Levied an army, meaning to redeem 

And re.install me in the diadem : 

But as the rest, so fell that noble Burl, 

And was beheaded. Thns the Mortimers, 



46 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

In whom the title ictled, wtn mpptett 
PlanXH wUch, mv Loid, your Bommr u the fatttp 
Hor. Trae; endtiiooieeittbetl 



oonraeheve; 

And that my faintinc wotdt do wunat death : 

Tboa artmy heirt tBe net I iririi tfafse gather: 

Bat yet be vary in thy stodknii ceie. 

With lilence, Bephew, be thoa politic i 

Strong.fixed is the home of Lancaster. 

And like a moontain not to he remor'a. 

fiat now thy nock is iciBOVlng hence ; 

As Princes do their cooits, when they sie cloy*d 

With long coatinoMiee in a settled place. 
PlmnX} ancle, woold some part of my yonng years 

Might but redeem the pasaage or your age ! 
Mor, Tbon dost then wrong me, as that slaoght'rer doth, 

Who giveth many woands when one will kill. 

Moom not, except thoa sonow for my good ; 

Only give orders tor my fiineniL 

Ana so farewell ; and nir befid thy hopes. 

And prosperous be thy life in peace and war! (diet) 
Plan.kxA peace, no war, b<ml thy parting soal! 

In prnon hsst thoa spent a pilgrimage, 

And, like an hermit, orerpast thy days. 

Well ; I will lock his coansel in my breast ; 

And what I do imagine, let that rest. 

Keepers, convey him hence ; and I myself 

Will see his burial better than his life. 

Here lies the dnsky torch of Mortimer, 

Choak'd with ambition of the meaner sort. 

During the unquiet reign of Henry IV. the 
inarches were kept in an almost constant state 
of disturbance and alarm by the celebrated Owen 
Glendower, whose hostilities against the English 
were at first excited by repeated acts of injus- 
tice: the court having sanctioned or allowed 
Lord Grey of Ruthin to wrest from Glendower 
a considerable part of his inheritance. Glen- 
dower's first act was to repossess himself of his 
lands, and further to indemnify himself, he also 
seized part of Lord Grey's possessions. Being 
on this account proscribed and assailed as a 
traitor, he assumed the title of Prince of Wales, 
and roused his countrymen to join his standard. 



^ OWEN GLENDOWEB. 47 

and endeavour to liberate themseWes from the 
yoke of England, which the arbitrary conduct 
of the Lords Marchers had rendered intolerable. 
The family of Mortimer had made themselves 
particularly obnoxious to Glendower^ and his 
arms were frequently directed against them. 
The strongest castle on the frontier was sup« 
posed to be that of Radnor, belonging to Sir 
Roger Mortimer; this, with numerous other 
places of importance, was visited with fire and 
sword. In the course of these successful incur- 
sions of Glendower, his inveterate enemy. Lord 
Grey, fell into his hands, and was secured in 
the recesses of Snowdon; but he was even* 
tually released, on the payment often thousand 
marks. During these ravages the scene of 
contest was frequently extended to Hereford- 
shire and Shropshire : and a general engage- 
ment took place near Knighton, between Glen- 
dower and an army under the command of 
Sir Edmund Mortimer, uncle to the young Earl. 
The contest was extremely obstinate and sangui- 
nary : Glendower at last gained the victory, and 
in a personal encounter with Sir Edmund, took 
him prisoner. Mortimer lost eleven hundred 
men, mostly slain on the field of battle. 

Fictitious accounts of the death of this cele- 
brated chief are to be found in the monkish le- 
gends ; it is, however, certain that be died on 
the aoth, of September* 141^, in the sixty-firs$ 



48 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

year of his age ; and most probably at the house 
of his daughter, married to Roger Monington, 
at Monington in Herefordshire. It is in a high 
degree probable, that in his last hoars, he would 
seek in the arms of his children, that repose, 
which fifteen years of turbulent activity had 
rendered so necessary. Of his five daughters, 
Janet was married to John Croft of Croft Castle, 
and the others to persons of note and respect- 
ability. 

When Richard Plantagenet Earl of Cambridge 
was beheaded by Henry V. and his brother the 
Duke of York was slain at the battle of Agin- 
court, his title and estates descended to the 
second Richard Plantagenet, who would pro- 
bably never have attempted to dethrone Henry 
VI. had not the people by their uneasiness 
under his government, seemed to invite him to 
the undertaking. 

In the year 1450, the Duke of York laid vio- 
lent hands on his avowed enemies, John Sutton 
Lord Dudley, Reignald Abbot of St. Peter's 
at Glastonbury, and another person, whom he 
imprisoned in his Castle of Ludlow. The same 
year he published a letter about the government 
of the town ; the purport of which is to confirm 
and authorize the continuance of the ''rule, 
councel and governance of the said town, by 
the Twelve and Ttoenty-Jive,'* as formerly, 
''sythe the time that no mind is.'' The style of 



DUKE OF YORK. 49 

the Duke in this instrument is "Earl of March^ 
and of Ulster, Lord of Clare, of Wigmore, and 
of Ludlow." 

It seems to have been the policy of the Lancas- 
trian usurpers, conscious of their want of a just 
title to the crown, to pacify the house of York 
by the allowance of posts of honour and profit. 
It might therefore naturally be expected, that 
the first attempts against the sovereign to whom 
they had sworn allegiance, would be attended 
with some scruples of conscience, as well as 
apprehensions of danger. Indeed it is evident 
that the paltry system of duplicity by which 
the Duke conducted his undertaking, was that 
which is only adopted or vindicated by those 
whom fear or wickedness induces to throw a veil 
over their real intentions. A system seldom 
ultimately successful, though, unfortunately for 
mankind, too often made use of. 

The Duke's first complaints were against the 
administration, and might seem to have been 
fairly attributable to the misfortunes by which 
he was then assailed: the loss of Caen, the 
seigniory of which had been given to him by 
the king, and the representation made to him 
by the governor of the place, (Sir David Hall, 
the ancestor of the Chronicler of that name) 
that it had been given up by the Duke of Som- 
erset without sufficient cause, roused his indig« 

E 



M HISTORY OF UJDLOW. 

natioa ; Sir David on Ums occasion repaired to 
bis k>rd in Irefand, wbere he had been sent to 
suppress a rebellion, and at the time was smart* 
ing under a sense of injury ; the ministers having 
sent him on this expedition with a force totally 
inadeqaate to the undertaking. Anticipating 
the l<ras of his Irish estates, descended to him 
from tbe Lacies and De Borghs, and combining 
this with his other grievances, the Duke deter- 
mined to quit his government and return to 
England, for the purpose of attacking the min* 
istry and endeavouring to place himself at the 
head of affairs. In his letter to his friends on 
this occasion, after complaining of the nonpay- 
ment of the necessary supplies, whereby he wan 
unable to resist the rebels, he says, ''my power 
cannot stretch to keepe it (Ireland) in the kingV 
obeisance, and vefie necessitie will com pell me 
to come into England to live there upon my 
poore livelihood. For I had leaver be dead than 
anie inconveniencie should fall thereunto by my 
default, for it shall never be chronicled, nor re« 
main in scripture, (by the grace of Ood) that 
Ireland was lost by my negligence. For I have 
example in other places (more pitie it is) for to 
dread shame, and for to acquit my troth unto 
the king*s highnesse, as my dutie is." This \eU 
ter is dated l5th June, 1460, and the town of 
Caen fell into the hands of the French ia the 
same month and year. 



BUKK OF YORK. 51 

On the Dake*8 departure from Ireland without 
leave, his enemies in the administration deter- 
mined if possible to seize his person ; or at 
least to bar his approach to the king. He es- 
capedy however, from their attempts to intercept 
him, and arrived in London whilst the parlia- 
ment was sitting. The majority of the lower 
hoQse was decidedly in his interest, and it ap- 
pears to have been at this juncture that he ad- 
dressed a letter to the king, in which, styling 
himself '*his humble sujet and lyge man," he 
beseeches him to do justice upon traitors. The 
king's conciliating answer served only to increase 
the ardour of the Duke, who determined to take' 
op arms, ^nnder the pretence of effecting a 
change in the ministry. Early in the following 
year, February 3, 1461-^2, he was busily em- 
ployed in raising an army in the Marches, and 
writes froni Ludlow to the bailiffs of Shrews- 
bury, requesting their assistance. In order to 
palliate his proceedings, he published a decla* 
ration, dated at his Castle of Ludlow, and signed 
with his own hand and seal, in which he profes- 
sed his allegiance to King Henry, stating that 
his army was raised solely for the purpose of re- 
dressing certain grievances, 4&c. feeding in this 
manner the public mind with vague and frivolous 
excuses, as an extenuation of his conduct. 

Time however disclosed his real designs ; for 
soon after the death of Lord Audley, at Blorc 



62 HI&TORY. OF LUDLOW. 

Heath, in Staffordshire, he threw off the mask, 
openly avowed his pretensions to the throne, 
and appointed the Castle of Ludlow the place of 
rendezvous for his aiiherents. On which the 
royal army, then stationed at Worcester, was 
ordered to march against him. 

On the approach of the Royalists to Ludford, 
the Bishop of Salisbury was sent into the town, 
with an offer of a general amnesty, if they would 
surrender. This being approved of by the in- 
habitants, and violently opposed by the soldiers, 
a contest arose between them in which many of 
the former were destroyed. 

These disputes could not fail to weaken the 
resolution of the besieged, and this is apparent 
from the submissive letter sent to the king as 
stated by Speed. — "The Earl of Salisbury in 
this sort opened to himself a way to Ludlow, 
where the head of their combination, the Duke 
of York, busied himself to gather forces : being 
met, they conclude, that seeing the matter was 
now become deadly, they would deal in clouds 
no longer, but fight it out to the extremity. Men 
are drawn out of all parts with large hopes and 
promises of sharing in their fortunes, and the 
Earl of Warwick bringing with him from Calais 
that valiant captain Andrew Trollop, and a 
band of stout and choice soldiers, comes to the 
general rendezvous of the Yorkists, the Castle 
of Ludlow." 



DUKE OF YORK. 53 

"The King in the mean space hath assembled 
a great puissance of faithful subjects, and being 
attended with the Dukes of Somerset and Exeter, 
and other of his chief friends, marcheth against 
his enemies. His first work was to offer them 
general pardon. It is refused, and called by 
them a staff of reed^ or glass buckler. The sword 
must decide the quarrel. Whereupon the King 
commands his standards to advance : while he 
was on his march, a letter fraught with the wont- 
ed hypocrisies, is delivered to the King. In it 
among many other insinuations are these. "Most 
christian King, right high and mighty Prince, 
and our most dread sovereign Lord, &c. We 
sent unto your good grace by the Prior of the 
cathedral church of Worcester and divers other 
Doctors, and among others by Mr. William 
Linwood, Doctor of Divinity, which ministered 
unto us severally the blessed sacrament of the 
body of Jesus, whereupon we and every of us 
deposed of our truth and duty, &c.*' But the let- 
ter made no overture of any course upon which 
they would yield to lay down arms, alledging, 
"they would but make their way to the king 
for redress of abuses, and that they were enfor- 
ced to stand together for their own defence, 
against such great courtiers and favourites, as 
intended their destruction." 

"The king is now in sight, whom the tri- 
umvirs, York, Warwick, and Salisbury, being 



M HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

strongly entrenched before Ludlow/ mean to 
assail. Andrew Trollop, who bad in the king's 
pay done great service upon the French, was 
acquainted with all their council, and finding 
himself extremely deceived, ( for he Uiought, 
and so by the Earl of Warwick was made to 
believe, that the preservation of the king was 
intendeEd, and not his destrnction,) abandons 
the Yorkists camp at midnight^ and with a 
choice number of trusty men presents himself 
and services to the king, who graciously recei- 
ved him." This unexpected occurrence destroy- 
ed the hopes of the Yorkists, who immediately 
fled ; the Duke and his youngest son reached 
Ireland, and the Earls of March, Warwick, and 
Salisbury with much difficulty escaped to Calais. 
Fabyan gives the following account of this 
affair. — * 'Whereof herynge the sayde Duke, then 
beynge with his people nere vnto the towne of 
•Ludlowe, pyght there a sure and stronge feelde 
that none of his foes myght vpon any parte 
entre. Where he so lyinge, came to hym from 
Calys the Erie of Warwyke with a stronge bande 
of men, amonge the whiche was Andrewe Trol- 
lop, and many of other of the beste souldyours 
of Calys. The Duke thus keepynge his feelde 
vpon that one party, and the Kynge with his 
people vpon that other, vpon the nyght preceding 
the day that both hoostes sbuld have met, the 
fornamed Andrewe Trollop, with all the chefe 



DUKE OF YORK. 66 

sottUyoon of Calys, seofeiiy departed from the 
Duke's boost and went wnto tbe Kiitges, where 
they were ioyously receyued. When this thynge 
to the DuJke and the other lords was asserteyned, 
they were therewith sore dysmayed, and especy- 
ailye, for the sayde lordes hadde to tjbe sayde 
Andrewe sbewyd the hoole of tbeyre enteotys, 
which than they knewe well shuld he clerelye 
dyscoveryd vnto theyr enemyes : wherefore after 
pounceyll for a remedy taken, they concludyd to 
flee^ and leve the feelde staodyng as they had 
ben present and sty 11 abydyng. And so, incon- 
tinentlye the sayde Duke with his ii sones« and 
fewe other parsonys, fled towarde Walys, .and 
from thens passed sauely into inelande. 

And forthwith the Kynge rode vnto Ludlowe & 
dyspoyled the towae and castell^ and sent the 
Dachesse of Yorke, with hyr chyldren, :v9ito the 
Duchesse of Buckingham his syster, where she 
restyd long after/* 

On the surrender of the place, the greater 
part of the garrison was pardoned; but Xht 
oastle was stripped of all its costly ornaments, 
and the town forcibly plundered of every thing 
valuable. According to Hall, the Duchess of 
York with her two younger sons ;and her sister, 
were taken in the place, and confined for some 
time afterwards in one of the outer towevs. 

In the succeeding Parliament, held .ai Coven- 
try, the fellowing persons were attainted of high 



46 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

treason, aod their estates confiscated, as appears 
from Feon's Original Letters, vol. I, page 182. 



The Due of York 
Tberle ci Marche 
Therle of Rutluid 
Tberle of Warwyk 
Tberle of Salisbury 
The Lord Powyt 
The Lord Clynton 
*The Countess of Sair 
Sir Thomas Nevyle 
Sir John Nevyle 
Sir Hionus Haryngton 
Sir Thorn's o Pane 
Sir John Conyert 

'Alice Daughter and heir of 
Thomas Montague, Earl of Sal. 
isbnry, wife of Hichacd Neville, 
in her right, Earl of Salisbory. 



Sir John Wenlok 
Sir Wm. Oldhall 
Edward Bon^hcier 
A broy' of bis 
Thom's Vaugb'n 
Tbom's Colte 
Thomas Clay 
John Denham 
Thomas Moryng 
John Oter 
Malstr Ric Fisher 

HastyngB and oy' that as yet 
we can not know ▼ e names, &c. 
As for y> Lord rowys be came 
inne and hadde g'ce as for his 
lyf, but as for bis goods y *e for- 
let 



feture passed. 

Ludlow and its Castle continued in this dis- 
mantled state until after the battle of Wakefield, 
in which the Duke of York was slain and many 
of his followers cruelly put to death, after having 
surrendered themselves to the promised mercy 
of the enemy. The infant son of the Duke mur- 
dered in cold blood, and the barbarous cruelty 
of the Queen to her captive enemy has been en- 
larged on by historians. "Cruel joy,** says 
Speed, "is seldom fortunate. CcBsar wept over 
Pompeis head, but the Queen (ignorant how 
many causes of tears were reserved for her own 
share) makes herself merry with the ghastly and 
bloody spectacle of the Duke's head crowned 
with paper." Cruelty and murder excite the ab- 
horrence and detestation of mankind, and seldom 
escape punishment. The unfortunate father, 
when the handkerchief drenched in the blood of 



y 



BDWARD MORTIMER. 57 

bis child is given to him, is made to exclaim, — 

"That tice of hii the hungry canntbftls 

Would not have touched, wouJd not have itain'd with blood; 

But yoa are more inhuman, more inexorable,—— 

O, ten times more, ^than tigipre of Hyrcania. 

8ee, rutblcap Queen, a hapleai^ fatlier'i tears: 

This cloth thou dipp'tlst in blood of my sweet boy, 

And I with tears do wafth the blood away. 

These teais aie my sweet Rutland's obsequies; 

And every drop cnes Tengeance for bis death,—— 

'Gainst ihee, fell Clifford, — and thee false French woman.'* 

His execrations were prophetic, "for the Earl 
of March, son and heir to the late valiant Duke, 
hearing of this tragical adventure, with the death 
of his noble father and loving brother and trusty 
frendes, was wonderfully amazed ; but after 
comfort given to him by his faithful lovers and 
assured alyes," he visited Shrewsbury, Ludlow, 
and the neighbourhood of the Marches, where he 
quickly raised a considerable army, keeping his 
flag, as a signal of rendezvous, flying upon the 
lofty summit of Wigmore Castle. 

The Queen, fearful of his rising power, dis- 
patched the Earl of Pembroke with a strong 
force to oppose him. Young Edward marched 
out against his enemies, whom he met in a plain 
near Mortimer's Cross, where a desperate and 
bloody battle was fought. On the morning pre- 
ceding the engagement, there appeared to the 
Earl and his friends a meteor in the heavens re- 
sembling the junction of three suns: — 

*'Three glorious tuns, each one a perfect san ; 

Not separated by the rackinc[ clouds, 

But sever'd in a pale clear shining sky. 

— They join, embrace, and seem to kirn. 

As if they vow'd some league inviolablet 

Now are tbey but one lamp, one light, one tan.** 



68 HISTORY OF LI79LOW. 

This phaenomeBOD, favourably considered as a 
supernatural indication of success, helped to 
inspire courage and resolution in the ensuing 
struggle ; it was in consequence of this occur- 
rence, that the badge or device bom by Edward 
as Earl of March, was a sun in its full bright- 
ness; because the sun of honour and fortune 
did indeed then begin to shine upon him, through 
clouds of blood and misery. The battle took 
place, according to Speed, on Candlemas Day, 
in the year 1461. Both parties continued the 
contest with a furious resolution, but in the end 
the Earl of March obtained a complete victory, 
killing three thousand eight hundred of his 
opponents. The poet Daniel describes the 
youthful Mortimer as the hero of the day ; — 

"Now is young Marche more than a Duke of Yorke* 

(For youth, love, grace, aud courage make him more) 

All which for fortune's favour uow do worke, 

Who graces freshest actors evermore, 

Making the first attempt the chiefeet wnrke 

Of any man's designs that btrives therefore; 

The after seasons are not so well blest, 

For those first spirites make the first actions best. 

Now like the libian lion when with paine 

The w^wy hunter Had purtn'd his prey 

From Tockes to brakes, from thickets to the plalue, 

And At the poynt thereon his hands to )ay, 

Hard bv hfs hopes, his eie vpon his gaine, 

Oat tqaningfrom bis4enne rapts all away i 

So comes youag Marche their hopes to disappoint 

Who now,wafe,growQe so aceie vnto the poynt. 



-With a thousiiud tougs swift-wing'd fame coOMi, 

.11- -rlrf u-,«_- ..^ii^.r-:.*^.:^ • ' 



And tells of Marchess gallant victories, 
Who witat withttftDdaauljduee,.all overcomes* 
Making his way fbrough fiecoMt enamlm, 
Aa having now to cast in greater aommea 
The reckninc of has hopes, that^matoely lise; 
Hit fiither't Ssath, givcajnoK life unto wrath, 
And this laat valQiir,4;ceat«at.couraga hath.' 



r 



EDWARD IV. <5i9 

And BOW as for hit hrt, ki» lab'ring voith 
Workn OD the coast which on fair Severne lies. 
Whither, when Yorke aet ftirward for the north, 
Jlee'i sent tu levie other fresh aapplies: 
But bearing now what Wakefield hud biwngbt forth, 
Imploring ayde against these injunes, 
Obttins from Gleeter, Worster, t^hrewtbnry , 
Important powres to worke his remedy ; 

Which be against Pembroke and Ormond bends, 

Whom Margaret now opon her victory. 

With ail spMde possible ft^om Wakefield sendee, 

With hope to have surpris'd him suddainljr ; 

Wherein thoagb she all meones, all wit extends, 

To th' utmost reach of wary pollicie, 

Yet nothing her avayles, no plots succeed 

T* avert tiiose miichiefSBS which the heavens decreed. 

For neere the Crosse christened by his owne nmnn 
He crosst those mighty forces of his foo. 
And with a spirit borne tor eternall fame, 
Their eger fighting armie overthrowes.*'— ^ 

Edward, having gained the battle of Morti- 
mer s CroBQi hasteaed from Ludlow on hia march 
towards the Metropolis, where, upon his arrival, 
lie was put in possession of .the crown amidst 
the acclamations of the. people, assuming the 
title of Edwani IV. on the fourth of March, 
1461, about the twentieth ]^ear of his age. 

King Edward always evinced a favourable 
partiality towards the town of Ludlovr, from 
whose iahi^itants he had received such power- 
ful assistance ; and in the first year of his reign, 
granted the first Charter of Incorporation, in 
the preamble to which he jrecites the motives for 
this mark of his royal favour, viz. — ''In consi- 
deration of the praiseworthy and gratuitous.aer- 
Tices, which our well beloved and faithful sub- 
jects, the Burgesses of the town of Ludlow, 
have done in aid of recovering the right of the 



\ 
^ 



60 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

crown of England, witheld from us and our an- 
cestors, and being therefore desirous for tbe 
bettering and relief of the town/' &c.. Other 
important royal favours were also granted to 
Ludlow during this Prince's reign, as stated by 
the poet Churchyard : 

"King Edward fourth, for Mrvice truely done. 

When Henry sixth and he h«d mortal warre : 

No sooner he by force the victorie wone 

But with great things the towne be did prefarre. 

Gave lands thereto, and libertie full large, 

Which royal gifts his bountie did declare, 

And dayly doth maintain the tnwnes great charge : 

Whose people now in as great freedom are. 

As any men under this niTe and crowne, 

That lives and dwels in citie or in towne." 

It also appears that Edward's munificence 
assisted in recovering LudlQ,w from the fallen 
and desolate state to which it had been reduced 
by adhering to his father's cause. Many parts 
of the town were rebuilt by the inhabitants, 
large sums were expended on the Castle, and in 
a few years after we find it become the princely 
residence of his eldest son, who held his court 
here in great pomp and splendor. 

Neither was Edward attached to this part of 
the kingdom merely from motives of gratitude, 
he spent all th^ leisure time he could spare 
from the weighty occupations of his situation, . 
in the Castles of Ludlow and Wigmore. Lady 
Anne Neville, daughter to the great Earl of 
Warwick, was his favourite: she kept her 
court in Wigmore Castle, and all that was gay 
jind fashionable in the adjacent parts of the 



EDWARD lY. 61 

country resorted thither to partake of the plea- 
sures of the place. 

This may account as a reason why, on any 
emergency, Edward generally resorted into these 
parts to raise assistance ; for the Lords March- 
ers, tied down lo him by repeated favours, ac- 
knowledged the same interests, and were ani- 
mated by the same passions ; connected besides 
with their sovereign by the incidents of tenure, 
formed by a train of mutual good offices and 
reciprocal attentions, they not only added to his 
magnificence in time of peace, but proved his 
greatest security in the trying seasons of hostility. 

Fatal, says one of our historians, for England 
was the ascension of the House of York to the 
throne : if the reign of Henry VL was bloody, 
that of Edward IV. was not less so ; the two 
and twenty years of his regal life being, with 
few intermissions, one continued struggle against 
his enemies, whose efforts were powerfully ex- 
erted to wrest from him the crown to which he 
had raised himself. After a reign stained with 
blood and perplexed with difiiculties, Edward 
died at the age of 42, with a presentiment of 
the evils which his family afterwards suffered. 
His last dying words, which were urgent in ad- 
vising concord and unanimity, were addressed 
to those who were unwilling to promote peace 
by acts of justice and righteousness; to a so- 
ciety of relatives who secretly hated each other; 



62 HISTORY OF LVDLOW. 

to a brother, who, under the semblBace of sntilee 
and friendship, was plotting murder and uaaiw 
pation. Hall has given the character of this 
monarch in expressive language. "This Edward 
was a goodly man of personage, of stature hyghe, 
of countenance and beautee comely, of sight 
quicke, brode brested, and welle sette in every 
other parte conformable to his bodye, of a preg«« 
nant wy tte, stomake stoute, and haulte courage, 
of perfect memori of such thinges as he conceit 
ved in his braine, diligent in his affaires and 
weight! business, in aventures bold and hardy, 
againe his adversaries fearce and terryble, to his 
frendcs liberal and bounteous, having in all his 
warres most prosperous and lucky successe, and 
eschewing all pleasure and sensuaiitee, to the 
which he was by nature most prone, for the which 
cause and for the lowlines and huroanitie that 
was in hym ingendered by nature most plenti-* 
fully, he bare himself honestly among private 
persons, otherwise then the degre or dignite of 
his majeste required.'* 

Under the superintendance of Lord Anthony 
Woodville Earl Rivers, brother to the queen, the 
young Princes, Edward and his brother the 
Duke of York, had been resident in Ludlow 
Castle some time previous to their removal on 
the event of their father's death, and the forme? 
was proclaimed as Edward V. previous to theif 
departure. 



BDWAKD V. 63 



Their wicked aad ambltiovs uncle, whose 
tbotif hts were intent on their destraction, con- 
trived to separate the Princes from their tntor 
and his associates before they arrived in Lon- 
don ; for without any reasonahk pretence he 
arrested while on their jonrney, the Earl Rivers, 
Lord Gray, Sir Thomas Vaughan, and Sir 
Richard Hawt, who were all soon after behead-* 
ed at Pomfret. 

The investment of the infant Prince with the 
title of Xing, was a cruel mockery, for in about 
two months after leaving their peaceftil asyhim 
of Ludlow, the royal brothers were murdered 
in the Tower. 

The usurper, Richard IIL immediately after 
his coronation, sent one James Tyrrel to the 
governor of the Tower, with an order signed by 
his own hand to deliver to him the government 
of that fortress for the space of twenty-four 
hours, and to give him the keys of all the rooms. 
Tyrrel being thereby master of the Tower, * 'de- 
vised that they shoulde be murthered in their 
beddes, and no bloud shed : to the execution 
whereof, he appoincted Myles Forest one of the 
fonre that before kepte them, a felowe fleshed 
in murther before tyme ; and to him he joyned 
one Jhon Dighton his owne horse-keeper, a 
hygge broad square and strong knave. Then al 
the other beying removed from them, this Myks 
Forest and Jhon Dighton, aboute mydnig ht, the 



64 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

sely children liyng in their beddes, came into 
the chaumbre and sodenlie lapped them up a- 
mongest the clothes, and so bewrapped them 
and entangled them, hepyng doune by force the 
fetherbed and pillowes hard unto their mouthes, 
that within a while they smored and stifled 
them, and their breathes failyng, they gave up 
to God their innocent solles into the joyes of 
heaven, leaving to the tormentours their bodies 
dead in the bed, which after the wretches per- 
ceyved, first by the stiugglyng with the panges 
of death, and after long lying styl to be through- 
ly dead, they laid the bodies out upon the bed 
and fetched James Tyrrel to see them/' 

Their bones were discovered in the reign of 
Charles II. by some labourers, who were dig- 
ging at the foot of the old stairs leading into the 
chapel of the white tower, and were removed by 
the king's order to Henry the Seventh's chapel, 
and decently interred there, under a monument 
of white marble with an inscription in latin, of 
which the following is a translation ; — 

Here lit, with thie hope of Salvation, the remAins of Edwmrd V. 
King of England, and Richard Duke of York. Richard their un - 
de, the fcreacherona usurper of the Kingdom, ordered tbene bro- 
thers, shut up in the Tower of London, to be smothered with pil- 
lows thrown upon them, aud Mcretly and basely buried. Their 
much wished for bones, for a long time diligently sought after, 
were found, and truly identified, deeplv buried iu the ruins of the 
stairs which- formerly led to the Chapel in the White Tower. One 
hundred and ninety one years after their death, on the 17th day 
of Jnly, 1874, the most compassionate King. Charles II. pitying 
their miserable end, paid due funeral rites to these unfortunate 
Prlnceti, placing them among the monuments of their ancestors, 
A. D. 108B, in the 30Ui year of hit reign. 

Extraordinary gratuities were bestowed on 



RICHARD III. 65 

the murderers ; James Tyrrel was knighted and 
had given to him the stewardship of several 
lordships in Wales and the Marches, for life ; 
with numerous other offices and emoluments. 
The other inferior agents in this act of wicked- 
ness were proportionably rewarded. But Divine 
Providence never suffers crime to go unpunished, 
and often brings upon the wicked, even . in this 
life, a foretaste of the chastisements they may 
most certainly look forward to in a life to come. 
The old Chronicles enlarge on the subject of the 
judgments which befel the perpetrators of this 
deed of darkness. Miles Forest, John Dighton, 
and Sir James Tyrrel, were the immediate a- 
gents ; of these, the first, "by piecemeal mis- 
erably rotted away.'* Dighton fled to Calais 
where he lingered out the last dregs of a bad 
life, hated and despised ; and there, "he died 
in great misery." Tyrrel was, on the accession 
of Henry VII. arraigned, and after a full confes- 
sion beheaded on Tower hill ; and King Richard 
himself, "after this abhominal dede dooen never 
was quiet in his minde, he never thought hym- 
self sure where he went abrode, his eyen wherled 
about, his hand ever on his dagger: he toke 
evill rest on nightes, lay long waking and mu- 
syng, forweried with care and watche, rather 
slombred then slept, troubled with fearful! 
dreames, sodeinly some tyme sterte up, leapt 

F 



M HISTORY ov i.i;dlow. 

• 

cmt of his bed and lodccd abeute the ohawhres ; 
tfo was his reatlesse hearte contyHttallj tossed 
and toumbled with the iediovs impression and- 
stormy reoiembraunce of his abhoninable mur- 
ther aad exeorable tjfaBnie, He was slain in 
tbe feetde backed and hewed of his eneniies 
handes, haried oh a horsebacke nalced ; beying 
dedf his heare in dysptte tome and tufged like 
a enrre dogge." 

Few will doubt tbe truth of this account of 
the tyrant's inward feelings : and it is also per* 
fbetly natural to suppose even the hired agents 
of murder to be not unfrequently troubled with 
coDipunettous misgivings : Shakespeare intro« 
duces Tyrrel saying in soliloquy >*— 

**Tlie ijnmtnoM and bloody met to done ; 

The moat aich d«ad of piteoat ma«iacr« 

That ever yet thto land waa ffiiilty of: 

PigbtoQ and Foraak, whom f did auhocQ 

To do this piece of nithful butchery, 

Albeit they vera Seabt Ttllaina. bloody do^ 

Melted with tenderneia and mild cooipaaaion 

Wept like two childitn in their death's sad atory t 

O tnns, quoth Dighton, lay the gentle babes, 

Thna, thus, qnoth Foicat, girdling one au^tber 

Within their alabaster innocent arms: 

l%e}r line were four red roses ou a atalhi 

And in their summer beauty kisaed each other. 

A book «if pmyetaou their pillow lay. 

Which once, quoth Forest, almost cbanged my mind. 

Bat oh the deWK^^-^than the viUaio alopti 

When Dighton thus told on, we smothered 

The moat repleniabad swaet work of natun 

That from tne prime creation e'er «he framed. 

Hence both are gone, with eonaeiCBce asd rcmofaa 

Thev could not speak, and so 1 left them both 

To 6ear these tidfnga to the bloody king.** 

The agents of others iniquity may try to con« 
sole themselves by attributing a larger share of 
criminality to those by whom they have been 



EIOHARD III* €T 

hired, and by thit weak mode of arguing quiet 
tlieir own coneciencet ; but tbe instigator and 
author of crime can find no excuse to mitigate rer 
morse, hence the ceaseless struggles in the mind 
of Richard, in peace, in retirement, and in bin 
dreams ; even in the turbulence of warfare 

**th« NUle Mul* ol Bd«aid*t dittiira** 

seem to fight against him, and he exclaims in 
bitter anguish, 

*H> aovwd cotueiam! how desk kbo« •flict im! 
I tball dcfpair; Hufn is no craakure loTct mc} 
And if I alt BO MNil •!«» pity mo.** 

Richard enjoyed the fruits of his villany only 
about two years ; he was slain at the battle of 
Boswdrth Field. At his death the Civil Wars 
of England, arising out of the contested claims 
of the York and Lancaster families, were finally 
closed : for the Duke of Richmond on his eleva- 
tion to the throne, married Elizabeth, the eldest 
daughter of Edward IV. and th^ true heiress of 
the house of York. By this marriage of policy, 
the interest of tiie two houses became perma- 
nently united. 

The period now approached when Ludlow 
Castle was once more to recover its pristine 
pomp apd magnificence. 

Cadwalladyr, the last of the british kings, 
had foretold that his race should in a future age 
regain the sovereignty ; and Henry VIL tracing 
his descent from that prince, did not fail to re- 
vive the recolleotion of this famous prophecy. 



68 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

by which means the popular voice was effectu- 
ally secured in his favour, the current belief 
being that he was predestinated to the high 
station he had attained. This prejudice was not 
a little strengthened by the more recent report 
of the dying words of Henry VL which, it was 
asserted, expressed a presentiment of the revival 
of his name in the person of a more fortunate 
successor. To these circumstances operating 
iu Henry Tudor^s favour, we may also add, that 
he succeeded, not to a king respected and loved, 
but to a cruel and hateful tyrant. 

lii the year 1501, Prince Arthur, king Henry *8 
eldest son, was married at the age of fifteen, to 
the Princess Catherine of Arragon, who was 
in the eighteenth year of her age. The marriage 
ceremony of thi^ juvenile couple was celebrated 
with magnificence and parade, after which the 
Prince held a splendid court at Ludlow Castle, 
his former and future residence. An account of 
this marriage by Hall affords a curious specimen 
of the manners and language of those times. 

* 'Because I will not be tedious I passe over 

the wyse devises, the prudent speches, the cost- 
ly woorkes, the conninge portratures practised 
,and set foorth in VH goodly beutiful pageauntes 
erected and set up in diverse places of the citie. 
I leave also the goodly ballades, the swete ar- 
mony, the musicall instrumentes, which sounded 
,with heavenly noyes on every side of the strete. 



Prince arthur. 60 

I omit farther, the costly apparel both of gold- 
«my thes woorke and embraudery, the ryche jew- 
elles, the massy cheyues, the sturynge horses, 
the beutiful barbes and the glitterynge trappers, 
bothe with belles and spangles of golde. I pre- 
termit also the ryche apparelle of the pryncesse, 
the straunge fashion of the spanyshe nacion, the 
beaatie of the englishe ladyes, the goodly de- 
mean ure of the young damosels, the amorous 
countenaunce of the lusty bachelers. I passe 
over also the fyne engrayned clothes, the costly 
furres of the citezens, standynge on skaffoldes; 
ray led from Gracechurche to Paules. What 
should I speke of the oderiferous skarlettes, the 
fyne velvet, the pleasaunt furres, the massye 
chaynes, which the May re of London with the 
senate, sittinge on horsebacke at the litle con- 
duyte in Chepe, ware on their bodyes, and about 
their neckes. I will not molest you with re- 
hersyng the riche arras, the costly tapestry, the 
fyne clothes bothe of golde and silver, the cu- 
rious velvettes, the beutiful sattens nor the plea- 
saunte sylkes, which did hange in every street 
where she passed, the wyne that ranne continu- 
ally out of the conduytes, the graveling and rayl- 
ing of the stretes nedeth not to be remembered.*' 
The Princess came riding from Lambeth, Fri- 
day November 12th. through the borough of 
Southwark to London Bridge ; where she was 
received with a costly pageant of St. Catherine, 



TO HI8T0ET OF LVBLOW. 

St. Urtuky and a train of Tirgiiis. Ill bef pro*- 
gnns through the city other pageants ¥fere dis- 
playedy and the cohduit in Cheap ran Gasconi 
wine. The marriage cer^aony, on Sunday the 
14thi of November, was performed by the Arch- 
bishop of Canterbttry, assisted by nineteen bi- 
shops. The Prince and his bride were arrayed ik 
white satin; ahd the splendour and knagnificence 
of the nobility and oourtiersy vieing with each 
other dn this jbyons oeciision, was beyond ex«- 
atnple. Chains of gold were worn of the value 
of ClOOO to dei4M^ and the rich needlework, 
tissilfe, and fur dresses were some of them valaed 
at £1600 and upwards. Jousts and tournaments 
were exhibited for several days, il^itfa sumptuous 
banqtaets, disguisings, a^d interludes ; and the 
celebrity concluded with a numerous creation of 
Knights of the Bath and of the Sword« 

From these scenes of gaiety and spectacles of 
triumph the Prince hastened a^ain to his pro- 
vince in the Marches ; but he did net live to ve^ 
rify the hopes and expectations, which as w«ll 
the nation in general, as those near his person, 
had largely entertained from the contetn|rfatloa 
of his early virtues. He died universally regret- 
ted| in Ludlow Castle, the second of x\pril 1502. 
The funeral was condwsted with much tnoumiui 
pomp; and the Bishop of Li&eohi, President of 
the Prince's court, bore a principid part ib thfe 
sacred offices attending it. The ccMrpse was ia- 



PBINCB ARTHUR* 91 

▼elopod in oerem«nts> and lay ia staite in Une 
Caslk, dvriiif tht 8pao« tif three weeks. Tketi 
loa SU George's day in the •ftcraoon, it was re- 
Raaved is s^dib precessioa to ike Church of 
St. Lawrence. The Eairl of Surrey^ as principal 
noiuiMsry followed near to the corpse; and after 
•liiai a long train of noblemen aad others ; among 
i«lioni wvK many of the principal citizens of 
Oiesliery who had come thus far to attend the 
tibneqaies of ^eir Moved Pnnoe, His banner 
was borne before the Corpse by Sit Griffiths tp 
Rice, who was preceded by bishops, abbots, and 
others. MThen the corpne was conveyed into the 
choir, die dirge began ; and the Bisbe|» ofXin- 
e(^, Salisbury, and Chester read the thne les- 
sons* On the morrow the fiishop of Linoofci 
song the aiass of requiem. Doctcn' £denham, 
afanoner and coafeaeor to the Prince, ^^said a 
noble sermon, and took to his antyteme^ Blessed 
mre the dead who die in the Lord.*' 

On SU Maark's day the procession moved from 
Lttdbw to Bewdley ; and (observes dw narrator) 
'<it was the foulest oald windye and rainey dsye« 
and the worst waye> Aat I have seen." The 
4NMrpse was placed in the choir of the chi4>i^, 
aad dif|;e and mass of reqniem were performed; 
ami esraty tsharch whtte it rested was decorated 
wilh eseateheons. When they «ame to Wor- 
<mrtier, 4be order «of Friars censed the corpse at 
the towa's tad ; and at the city gate the baiiifts 



72 HISTORY OF L17DLOW. 

and corporation met them. At the entrance of 
the churchyard, the Bishop of Worcester having 
now joined the train, the four bishops in rich 
copes censed the corpse ; which was then borne 
under a canopy through the choir to a hearse 
illuminated with eighteen lights, and sumptuous- 
ly garnished with arms. At dirge were nine les* 
sons, after the custom of that church. The 
first five were read by abbots, the sixth by the 
prior of Worcester, the rest by bishops, the 
Bishop of Lincoln reading the ninth. That 
night there was a goodly watch of Lords and 
Knights, and many others. 

At eight in the morning the sacred rites were 
resumed, when the third mass of requiem was 
sung by the Bishop of Lincoln. Customary of- 
ferings were made at the mass; ''but to have 
seen the weepinge after the offeringe was done, 
be had a hard heart that wept not.'* The ser- 
mon, "by a noble doctor," followed. After this 
all the prelates censed the corpse; and then 
"with weeping and sore lamentation it was laid 
in the grave," at the south end of the high al- 
tar, where were all the divine services. The 
orisons were said by the Bishop of Lincoln, 
also sore weeping. "He set the crosse over the 
chest, and cast holye water and earth thereon." 
The comptroller of the Prince's household, his 
steward, and others brake their staves of office, 
and cast them into the grave. And thus con* 



PRINCE ARTHUR. 73 

eludes our author, "God have mercye on good 
Prince Arthur's soule.'" 

Of this Prince, both contemporary and sub- 
sequent writers speak in terms of the warmest 
applause and admiration. His parts, his learn- 
ing and accomplishments, far surpassed what 
could be expected from his youth, his rank, and 
the age in which he lived. But he, who from 
the conflict of human passions often produces 
great and unexpected good, had purposes to 
accomplish by the turbulence and impetuosity 
of Henry, the younger brother, which the mild 
virtues and suavity of Arthur would never have 
attempted. 

Upou the prince's death all his titles and 
powers reverted to the crown; but Bishop 
Smyth continued president of the council, as 
well after, as before the Duke of York was cre- 
ated Prince of Wales ; and held the office till 
his death. In one of the state apartments of the 
Castle the arms of Prince Arthur were ''excellent- 
ly wrought'' in a superb escutcheon of stone ; and 
there was an empalement of St. Andrew's cross, 
with prince Arthur's arms painted in one of the 
windows of the hall. His arms, two red lions and 
two golden lions, were also in another chamber, 
with the arms of north Wales, and south Wales, 
And in the chapel, which was ''most trim and 
costly,'' the arms of Smyth and other Lords Pre- 
sidents were "gallantly and cunningly set out." 



74 HISTORY OF LU01.OW. 

Though Cathernie had been paMkly married 
to Arthur^ yet during the few months of their 
union, the Prince's premature age and interve- 
ning sickness, ending in his d«ath, had hindeved 
actual consummation ; and the Princess on her 
marriage with King Henry VIII. about six yeara 
afterwards, not only publicly upon oath declared 
this to be true, but ofl'ered herself to be examined 
by a committee of matrons. It was therefore 
under a presumption that the widow of his bro^ 
ther was only such in name, and not indeed, that 
Henry was persuaded to make this beautiful and 
tirtuous Princess his Queen. 

It is not credible, nor will any rational person 
believe, that after having lived with his amiable 
consort for mare than twenty years, this libidi- 
nous monarch was induced to seek a divorce 
from scruples of conscience; indeed it has been 
handed down as a matter of undoubted historical 
fftct that Hemry having become violently in love 
with Anne Bdeyn, nought some plausible pre- 
test ftr guining possession of this new object of 
his histful wishes. The immediate consequence 
was the deposition of the Queen, and the exal^ 
tation of Anne, lier rivals to the damgerons sta- 
tion ftom which she islse fell, learning too late 
how much beUer it is 

*To b« Wly bom, 

Sad itage with hunUe Uten in content « 
Thati Wm pftilL*d up in m cTitrriBg pi^, 
And ivwr m gol«M «oiT#ir.'' 



CAraSBtllB OF ARRAOON. 75 

CMh^ryic ^as deposed bttt not degraded^ for 
true greataeis joined to virtuous resoliition de* 
fies all earthly power, and though depressed 
eannot he destroy^. Arraigned before the high 
coaaistorial court, from which she was to reteiTe 
thie premeditated sentencei the mockery of jus^ 
lice, this injured Queen, kneeling at the feet of 
«he Kiag, spake as Ibilows* — 



^ *i9ir, I deiiit m to take wriM pltty vnoa nee aoddoe mte ju. 
tke and ri|^t. I am a poore womaii, a slraiiger borne cot of your 
doniiiioiNk harliig hert ao ii iJ M Iieu t coancell, and len aMuraace 
offneodsbip. Alane, frhereinbave I offended, or wbat cauM o^ 
dfipleatme have I gift% that Toa intend tbva to pmt ynee away 1 1 
take Ood to my jange I bave Men to yon a true and bumble wife, 
«ftr confomlble to yoot *ill a»4 pleaMie^ never piUn-myiwfgtiuf 
tbing wberein yon tooke delight, without all grudge or discon- 
tented coantenance ; I have loved all them tbiU lond ytm, h»<r. 
aoever their affections have been to me ward ; I have borne >- ou chil- 
dren, and been yonr #ili now tfali twenty ycarap; of my vft^nitie 
and marriage bM I uyie Ood Mli your owaeconeeieace the judge, 
and if it otherwiM be pMved, I nm content to be pat from you 
with ehame. The kiiw your liiUber in his tiflM for wiadome was 
known lo bA 1» leeolid flomon, and Ferdinando of Soaioe my la- 
tber accounted tlM vlicst of their Kings, could they in thh match 
be so fitrre over-seen, t>r are therfc m>w wiserandnmpe learned men 
than at Ukit titte were! fbiely it seemeth wondeffaU to mee that 
mjf mamage after twenty yw es sImmM be thas ca lte d in question 




part Therefore 1 most hnmbly beseech yon, evM in charity, to 
stay this course untU I may have advice aikdcouMdl from Bpainei 
if not, yonr graciens pleasoie bedone.** 

Having delivered this short address, die Queen 
* 'making lowly obeysaace to the Kiag^" de- 
parted quickly out of courts which being per- 
ceived, she was again, by the cryef, called upon 
by the name of Queen Catherine, but she dis- 
daining to answer, said to her attendant, ''on, 
on, this is no court for me to expect an equitable 
judgment from ; therefore go fortmrd.** 

This pathetic speech sfeems to have made a 



7C HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

favourable impression even on the hearts of her 
enemies ; the court was prorogued, and tinaliy 
a transfer of the cause was made to the See of 
Rome. The weight of the Queen's misfortunes 
lay heavy on her mind, and probably helped to 
shorten her days. If she charitably forgave her 
enemies, yet she did not cease to feel the injuries 
she had to suffer. Her false friends and hollow 
counsellors, who advised an unconditional sub- 
mission to the will of her imperious husband, 
she addressed in language suitable to her high 
character and the baseness of those to whom it 
was directed. — 

*'I am about to weep; bpt thinking that 
We are a QueeD, or long have dream'd so; certain 
The daughter of a King ; my drops of tears 
I'll turn to sparks of fire. 

■ .. -. Holy men I thought ye, 

Upon my soul two revVeiid Cardinal virtues; 
But CardtDal sins and hollow hearts I fear ye: 
Mend 'em for shame, my Lords, is this your comfort 1 
The cordial that ye bring a wretched Lady ? 
A woman lost among ye, laughed at, scorned? 

Wo upon ye, 
And all such false professmrs; would you have me 
(If you have any justice, any pity. 
If ye be any thing but Churcumen's habits) 
Put my cause into his hands that hates me ? 
Have I lived thus long (let me speak myself, 
Since virtue finds uo friends) a wife, a true one! 
A woman (I dare say without vaiu glory) 
Never yet oranded with suspicion ; 
Have I with all my full affections 

Still met the Kingi loved him next to heaven, obeyed himi 
Been out of frmdness superstitious to him ; 
Almost forgot my prayers to content him ! 
And am I thus rewarded? 'tis not well. Lords, 
My Lords, I dare not make mvself so guilty. 
To give up willingly that noble title 
Your master wed me to: nothing but death 
Shall e'er divorce my dignities 
Heaven is above all yet ; there sits a Judge 
That no King can corrupt.*' 

With all the dignity that belonged to her ex- 



CATHERINE OF ARRA6QN. 77 

alted station, the attributes of strong feeling iand 
pious resignation were perfectly congenial, and 
a sense of what belonged to herself as a virtuous 
and injured Queen remained with her to the 
last. — 

**Ala8 ! I am a woman, friendleia, bopelew; 
Shipwreck'd upon a kingdom wbere's no pity. 
No frienda, no nope ! no kindred wrep for me ! 
Almost no g^veallow'd me: like the lily 
That once was mistress of the field and ioori«h*d, 
I'll haugjny head and {lerish. 

— — — — — ^When I'm dead, good wench, 

IiCt me be us'd with bonoar ; strew me over — -' 

With maiden fiow'rs, that alt the world may know 
I was a chaste wife to my grave: embalm me, 
Then lay me forth ; althongh unqueen'd, yet like 
A Qaeen and daug^iter to a King inter me.'* 

Speed, who lived nearer the time than any of 
our historians, calls Catherine, "Henry's beau- 
teous Queen,*! and it may well be believed that 
if she had not possessed the agreeableness of 
person, sweetness of disposition, and other ad- 
mirable accomplishments attributed to her, she 
could not haive succeeded in retaining the affec- 
tions of the King during a period of twenty 
years. She was not only learned, but a patroness 
of learned men, particularly the celebrated Lu- 
dovicus Vives, and the great Erasmus, the latter 
of whom dedicated to her his book of CAm- 
tian Matrimony, and expresses his high opin- 
ion of this excellent Princess, as having so well 
behaved herself in that state, till divorced by 
the King her husband : knowing how unjustly 
and barbarously she was used in that affair, 
he writes a consolatory epistle to her in a most 



n HISTORY OV LUDLCm. 

christian stjk, to support h«v «ad^ this afltc-» 
tion, putting her in mini} of a marriage whioh Im 
indissoluble^ and that the afflietions she aught 
meet with in this worlds would haye a hap|^ 
issue as to her better part ; that as she had 
cast anchor on him who could never fail her, so 
he would not have her much concerned at any* 
thing that had happened or could happen to her. 

We learn from Burnet and Strype, that in her 
seclusion she was disturbed by frequent inef- 
fectual applications requiring h^r to relinquish 
her title ; many of her servants were put from her 
on that account ; but she would accept no ser- 
vice fropi any that would not address her suit- 
ably to her former dignity, and conduct them- 
selves accordingly. She was idlowed the join- 
ture as Princess Dowager, but all the woraeQ 
about her still'addressed her as Queen. 

**This Lady/' says Caussin, '*was infinitely 
pious ; she only attended to the affairs of hea- 
ven, and had already so little in her of earth, 
that she showed herself in all her deportment to 
be made for another kind of crown than that of 
England. Whilst her husband lived in riotous 
enjoyments and trampled on all laws human and 
divine, this poor Princess, who was looked oa 
by all Christendom as a perfect model of ail 
virtue, was driven out of her palace and bad, 
amidst the tears and lamentations of all honest 
men, and went to Kiinbolton, a place inoommo- 



V 



CATHEAINB 09 ARRAOOK. 71^ 

diQus and unbenlthy, whQst another took pos- 
session both of the heart and sceptre of the 
King. So that here we may behold virtue af- 
flicted, and a devotion so constant that the ruins 
of fortune, which made the world tremble, were 
unable to shake it. She remained in her seclu- 
sion with three waiting women, and four or five 
servants, a thousand times more content than 
she had lived in the highest glory of worldly 
honour, and having no tears to bewail herself, 
she lamented the miseries she left behind her.'* 

Her constitution being consumptive, and the 
place she was in unhealthy, she desired leave to 
come nearer London ; but the King would not 
grant her request. He even determined to re- 
move her to Fotheringay Castle, where prepara- 
tion was made for her reception ; but when it 
was proposed to her, she plainly declared she 
would not go unless bound with chains as a 
prisoner. She fell dangerously ill in the latter 
end of December 1536, and about five days after, 
being very weak, and finding the time of her 
dissolution near, she ordered one of her gentle-* 
women (says Holinshed) to write a letter to the 
King, which she herself dictated* This letter is 
a decisive evidence of her true character : it 
breathes a spirit of christian resignation ; with 
a wish to forget injuries ; accompanied by that 
generosity which only belongs to virtuous and 
amiable minds. 



80 BISTORT OF LUDLOW. 

My King «nd dearest Spooae, 

I iisomuch as already the houre of my death 
aproacbeth, the love and affection I beaie you cauaeth me to cou • 
jure you to have a care of the eternal salvation of your soule which 
yon ought to preferre before mortal things, or all worldly blessings. 
It is for this immortal spirit you must neglect the care of yoar 
body, for the love of which you have throwne me headlong into 
many calamities and your owne selfe into infinite disturbances. 
But I foi^ive yon with al my hart, humbly beseeching^ almighlY 
God he will in heaven confirme the pardon 1 on earth give you. L 
recommend uutn you our most deare Mary, your daughter and 
mine, praying you to be a better father to her than you have been 
a husband to me. Remember also the three poore Mayds, cona- 
panions of my retirement, as likewise al the rest of my servants, 
giving them a whole year's wages besides what is due, that so they 
may be a little recompeuced for the good service they have done 
me ; protesting unto you in the conclusion of this my letter and 
life, that my eyes love you, and desire to see yon, more than any 
thing mortal. 

Henry, uotwithstanding his violent temper and 
hardness of heart, read this letter with tears in 
his eyes and .having dispatched a gentleman to 
visit her, he found death had already delivered 
her from captivity. 

From the time of Ekiward IV. there gradually 
arose, in the Castle of Ludlow, a kind of national 
establishment under the name of, ''The Council 
in the Marches of Wales." Henry VH. adopted 
the same policy as his father in law had done, 
and Prince Arthur's residence till his death was 
for the same purpose as had been that of Eld - 
ward V. and the Duke of York : to give authori^- 
ty and importance to this institution ; and during 
two centuries this place justified its ancient de- 
nomination of ''a seat for the administration of 
justice to the neighbouring people." 

The authority of the Lords Marchers, which 
remained undiminished for ages, and which was 
absolute within the limits of their respective dis- 



MARCHES OF WALES. 81 

tricts, had been from aa early period viewed 
with a jealous eye by the English Mooarchs. 
Henry III. soon after the suppression of an in- 
surrection headed by John Earl of Chester, and 
Richard Earl of Pembroke, principal Lords 
Marchers, resolved upon the conquest of Wi^es 
with his own proper forces. The Earl of Chester 
dying soon after without male issue, the King re- 
sumed, by composition made with the EarFs four 
sisters and heirs, the county palatine of Chester, 
granted by the Norman Conqueror to the first 
Earl, his kinsman, and with it the greftter parl^of 
the county of Flint, which the Earls of Chester, 
as Lords Marchers, had won from the Welsh. 

This earldom and county of Flint, the King 
conferred on his son Edward, who succeeded 
him, the first of that name. King of England. 
He reduced Flint into a county by the statute of 
Wales, and annexed its possessions and govern- 
ment to the earldom of Chester. From which time 
this earldom and county have been granted to 
Princes of Wales, to hold under the crown. 

The Lords Marchers retained, however, their 
possessions exempted from the jurisdiction of 
the Prince, and continued the exercise of regal 
power without limitation or control, even after 
the conquest of Wales ; and when King Edward 
presumed to question by qiu> warranto the ten- 
ures and liberties of the Lords Marchers, Earl 

6 



82 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

Warren^ who was one of the principal of theniy 
drawing his sword, answered ''by this warrant 
my ancestors won their lands, and by this I do, 
and will hold mine ;'' which answer, all the Ba- 
rons seconding, the enquiry ceased. Probably 
the peculiar circumstances of the times, and the 
great- wars and troubles, foreign and domestie^ 
in which the king was engaged, made it prudent 
to submit to this insolent menace. In succeed- 
ing ages, the jurisdiction of these petty princes 
gaining strength and importance, by degrees 
degenerated into a system of continual warfare 
between the Welsh and English, with no other 
remedy but by reprisal. 

Henry VII. bom in Wales, and educated there 
under his uncle Jasper, Duke of Bedford, and 
Earl of Pembroke, always manifested a favour- 
able disposition towards, and endeavoured to 
promote the interest of, his native country. 
With this view he attempted by degrees to bring 
the Lords Marchers under the crown, and to 
free the Welsh people from the oppression of the 
severe laws of Henry IV. By purchase, trans- 
lation, and otherwise, he obtained several of 
these lordships ; and by the attainder of Sir 
William Stanley, there devolved to him the ex- 
tensive possessions of Bromfield in Yale, and 
Chirkland in North Wales, being a principal 
part of the possessions of the Marchers there. 
On the death of this king, his son, Henry 



MARCHES OF WALES. 88 

VIII. completed his father's undertaking, caus- 
ing most of the property of the Lords Marches 
to come to the crown, and the whole of the 
Principality of Wales to be incorporated and 
united to the realm of England. By the law of 
the union and ordinance of Wales, that country 
was made to partake of all the liberties and pri- 
vileges of England, the jurisdiction of the Lords 
Marchers destroyed, and their baronies reduced 
into, or united to, counties. 

Ttiis last remnant of our old feudal tyranny is 
admirably characterised, and its effects descri- 
bed, by the celebrated Edmund Burke. 

''This country (Wales) was said to be reduced 
by Henry III. it was said more truly to be so by 
Edward I. But, though then conquered, it was 
Bot looked upon as any part of the realm of Eng- 
land. Its old constitution, whatever that might 
have been, was destroyed ; and no good one was 
substituted in its place. The care of that tract was 
put into the hands of Lords Marchers, — a form 
of government of a singular kind ; a strange he- 
terogeneous monster, something between hosti- 
lity and government ; perhaps it has a sort of re- 
semblance, according to the modes of those times, 
to that of commander in chief at present, to whom 
all civil power is granted as secondary. 

The manners of the Welsh nation followed the 
genius of the government. The people were fero- 
cious, festive, savage, and uncultivated ; some- 



84 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

times composed* never pacified. Wales, wiihia 
itself, was in perpetual disorder ; and it kept the 
frontier of Eiigland in perpetual alarm. Benefit 
from it to the state, there was none. Wales was 
only known to England by in<fursion and invasion. 

Daring this state of things the English Parlia* 
ment was not idle. They attempted to subdue 
the fierce spirit of the Welsh by all sorts of rigo- 
rous laws. They prohibited by statute the send- 
ing of all sorts of arms into Wales. They disarm- 
ed them by statute. They made an act to drag 
offenders from Wales into England for trial. By 
another act, where one of the parties was an 
Englishman, they ordained that his trial should 
be always by English. They made acts to re- 
strain trade, and prevented the Welsh from the 
use of fairs and markets. In short, when the 
statute book was not quite so much swelled as it 
is now, we find no less than fifteen acts of penal 
regulation on the subject of Wales. Let it not be 
forgotten that Wales all the while rid this king- 
dom like an htcubm; that it was an unprofitable 
and oppressive burthen ; and that an Englishman 
travelling in that country, could not go six yards 
from the high road without being murdered. 

The march of the human mind is slow. It 
was not, until after two hundred years, disco- 
vered, that by an eternal law. Providence has 
decreed vexation to violence, and poverty to 
rapine. Our ancestors did however at leugth 



MARCHBS OF WALES. 85 

Open their eyes to the ill husbandry of injustice. 
They found that the tyranny of a free people 
could of all tyrannies the least be endured; and 
that laws made against a whole nation were not 
the most effectual methods for securing its obe- 
dience. Accordingly, in the twenty-seventh yeur 
of Henry VIII. the course was entirely altered. 
With a preamble stating the entire and perfect 
light of the crown of England it gave the Welsh 
all the rights and privileges of English subjects. 
A political order was established ; the military 
power gave way to the civil ; the Marches were 
turned into counties. But that a nation should 
have a right to English liberties, and yet no share 
at all in the fundamental security of those liber- 
ties, the granting of their own property, seemed 
a thing so incongruous, that eight years after, 
that is, in the thirty-fifth of that reign, a complete 
and not ill proportioned representation by coun- 
ties and boroughs was bestowed upon Wales, 
by act of Parliament. From that moment as by 
a charm, the tumults subsided ; obedience was 
restored ; peace, order, and civilization followed 
in the train of liberty. When the day star of the 
English constitution had arisen in their hearts 
all was harmony within and without.'* — 



-"Simal alba iiaati» 



Stella refulsit, 
Beflait taxis agltatoft humor t 
CoDcidunt tentltfiigiUDtqae nubes, 
Et mlDax (q«od nie Toluere) poato 

Unda iccambit.** 

Her, Lib, 1. Od 12. 



86 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

At the period of the union of the Principality 
with England, a more complete and effective 
Court of Justice for Wales was established on 
the ruins of the former Coiracil or Court, and 
this latter only is recognised as the "Court for 
the goUBmment of Wales/' It was established 
in the year 1609, and consisted of a Lord Presi- 
dent, as many counsellors as the Prince pleased ; 
a secretary, an attorney, a solicitor, and four 
justices for the Plriiicipality of Wales. 

Two courts, one for the northern, and die 
other for the southern Mardies, were formjcrly 
estabfished in England, similar in form though 
not perhaps equal in importance. Of these the 
learned Sir Thomas Smith, Secretary to Queen 
Elisabeth, gives the following account. 

''King Henry the eight, ordained first a Pre- 
sident, counsailours and judges, otie for the 
Marches of Wales, at Ludlow, or elsewhere : 
another for the north parts of Efigland, at York, 
where bee many causes determined. These two 
are as bee Parliaments in Fr&ace. But if there 
bee any matters of great consequence, the |)ar- 
ty may move at the first, or remove it afterwards 
to Westminster Hall, and to the ordinary judges 
of the realme, or to the ChaneeUour, as the 
matter is. These two courts doe heare matters 
before them part after the common law of Eng- 
land, and part after the foshion of the Chance- 
neJ" And Richard Baxter, who lived here about 



COUNCIL OF WALES* 87 

tke year 1630, as servitor to the chaplain of the 
council, observes on this establishment as fol« 
lows. "The house," says he» "was great, there 
being four judges, the king's attorney, the se- 
cretary, the clerk of the fines, with all their 
servants, and all the Lord President's servants, 
aad many more ; and the town was full of temp* 
tations, through the multitude of persons, coun- 
sellors, attornies, officers and clerks, and much 
given to tippling and excess/' From these re- 
marks we may form a tolerable idea of the great 
resort of strangers to this plaee, as well as of 
the moral habits of the people, when the town 
flourished in the height of its prosperity, sup- 
ported by the splendor of its courts 

In attempting to arrange a connected narra- 
tive of such particulars as are to be found in 
general and local histories, relative to Ludlow 
and its vicinity, some impwtant, umI it is hoped 
not uninteresting accounts have been collected. 
Great and celebrated characters have in a suc- 
cession of ages, dignified the princely towers of 
Ludlow with their presence ; and from its vicin- 
ity has arose the most considerable branch of 
the royal family of Plantagenet ; which family, 
with occasional intermissions, flourished in re- 
gal greatness, though often stained with the blood 
of its own children, during the space of three 
hundred and thirty years. History is the great 
teacher of wisdom to mankind ; and its lessons are 



88 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

deduced alike from the crimes and the virtues of 
those who are raised to stations of high respon- 
sibility. The families of kings are more generally 
distinguished by the former^ and by a saccession 
of misfortunes which strongly excite pity : this is 
peculiarly the character of the line of Plantage- 
net. The seventh and eighth Henries, conscious 
of the just claims of this rival house, pursued 
the unfortunate relatives of the family till the 
name became extinct. The last male was Ed- 
ward Earl of Warwick, a child of most unhappy 
fo^une, nursed m a prison from his cradle, and 
uvjustly put to death by Henry VII. and the 
last of the name was the sister of this unfortunate 
nobleman, a. lady not more distinguished by her 
high birth than by her piety and virtue. Not 
quietly submitting to her unjust and infamous 
sentence, but struggling with the executioner, 
she was forcibly dragged to the block by the 
hands of a ruffian entangled in her hoary locks, 
made venerable by nearly eighty years ; a spec- 
tacle of horror which must have raised com- 
passion in all hearts susceptible of noble and 
f^enerous impressions. 



BRIEF 



OF THE 

PRESIDENTS OF WAI.ES. 



A NTHONY WidvUe, or WidewyUe, Earl of 
Ryvers, was "President of the Prince of 
Wales' Couocir' in the year 1473. He was bro^ 
ther to Elizabeth, Queen of Edward IV. and the 
most accomplished nobleman in the court of 
that monarch. To him was intrusted the edu- 
cation of his nephews, the two young Princes. 
He married the daughter and heiress of Thomas 
Lord Scales, (who was Seneschal of Normandy, 
and a valiant and active soldier in the French 
wars) on whose death in 1460 he was in his wife's 
right summoned to Parliament as Lord Scales. 
That he was complete master of those high feats 
of chivahry so much in repute in those days^ we 
may learn from the old chronicles. 

<<. . -And in the moneth of Juny 

followynge/ were certayne actes and featys of 
warre doone in Smythfelde, atwene sir Antony 



90 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

Wydeuyli, called Lord Scalys, vpon that one 
partye, and the Bastarde of Burgoyne, chalen- 
gour on that one partye : of which the Lorde 
Scalys wanne the honour : for the sayde Bas- 
tarde was at the firste course rennynge, with 
sharpe sperys overthrown horse and man, 
whiche was by the rage of the horse of the sayde 
Bastarde, and not by vyolence of the stroke of 
his eoemy, and by a pyke of iron standynge 
vpon the fore parte of the sadyli of the Lorde 
ScalySy wherewith the horse beyjnge biynde of 
the Bastarde, was strykon into the nose thrylles, 
and payne therof mounted so hyghe vpon the 
hinder feet, (hat he fyl bakwarde. Vpon the 
seconde day they met theM agayne vpon fote, 
and lawgfat with theyre axes a fewe strokes. 
But whan the Kyng sawe that the Lorde Scalys 
hadde auantage of the Bastarde, as the poynte 
of his axe in the vysoure of his enemyes helmet, 
aad by force therof was lykely to have born 
hym over, the Kyng in hast cryed to suche as 
hadde the rule of the felde, that they shnlde 
departe theym: aad for more spede of the 
same, caste downe a warderer which he then 
belde in his hande : and so were they departed 
to the honour of the Lorde Scalys for both 
dayes." Fab. Chnm* A. D. M,iy,LXVii. 

He was a most valiant soldier, and constantly 
employed either in suppressing the tumults of 
those turbulent times, or in discharging the duties 



LORD SCALES. 91 

of some of the principal offices of state. Yet 
he found leisure to cultivate letters, and to be 
the author of works, which, though of little vlaue 
now, made some noise at the time. These 
consisted chiefly of translations from the French. 
He was the great patron and restorer of learning, 
and his lordship, with his printer Caxton, were 
the first English authors who had the pleasure 
to see their works printed. There is a curious 
old engraving, belonging to a manuscript in the 
Arehbishop*s library at Lambeth, representing 
this nobleman, attended by Ca&ton, presenting 
his book "The Dictes and Sayinges of Philoso- 
phers" to Edward IV. If the ' <Game of Chess*' 
was ^e lirst book printed by Caxton, this byi 
Lord Scales was the third, see Ames' History 
of Printing, vol. 1. p. 80. His other works are 
<*The Cordial, or a Booke de IV. Novissimis, 
that is to wit, Deth, Jugement, HeUe, Heven. 
Imprinted by Caxton at Westmynatre, 1478." 
This work is called the Cordial, as the author 
informs us, '*that it may be cordially emprented 
in us." An epilogue is written to it by Caaton. 
<*The Morale Proverbes of Cristyne (of Pyse). 
Lond. Printed by Caxton, 1478." The origmal 
anthor of the work from which this is transla* 
ted, was an ingenioas Lady, who removed with 
her &ther into France about the year 1400, 
where these Proverbs were first written in tho 
language of that country. 



92 HISTORY OP LUDLOW. 

He was born in the yenr 1442, treacherously 
imprisoned by Richard III. in Pontefract Castie, 
and by that tyrant's order, beheaded on the 
23rd. of June, 1483, in the forty-first year of 
his a^e. He wrote a poem during his imprison- 
ment, which is preserved. 

In 1478, John Alcock, L.L.D. and Bishop of 
Ely, was President of the Council. He was 
bom at Beveriey in Yorkshire, and educated at 
Cambridge. Was first made Dean of Westmin- 
ster, and in 1471 consecrated Bishop of Roches- 
ter ; in 1476 was translated to the See of Worces- 
ter, and in 1477 to that of Ely. He was a man of 
great learning and piety, and so highly esteem- 
ed by King Henry VII. that he appointed him 
Lord President of the Council of Wdes, and af- 
terwards Lord Chancellor of Engfamd. Alcock 
founded a school at Kingston upon Hull, and 
built the spacious hall belonging to the episcopal 
palace of Ely. He was also the founder of 
Jesus College, Cambridge. He died in 1600. 

Williftm Smyth, Bishop of Lincoln, was made 
Justice of the Peace for the counties of Salop, 
Hereford, Gloucester, and the Marches, on the 
20th. of March, 1402 ; he was President of the 
Council during the residence of Prince Arthur 
in the Castle, and afterwards till his death. 

Geoffry Blythe was Lord President in 1513,; 
sueceeding Bishop Smyth ; he presided thirteen 
years. 



JOHN VOY5EY. 03 

In 1525, Henry VIII. despairing of male is- 
sue, and not yet having conceived the project of 
divorcing his Queen for conscience sake, con- 
ferred on his only child Mary, an infant of nine 
years old, the title of Prince of Wales, with 
the distinction of nominally directing its com- 
mission in the Marches. The style atisumed for 
the Council was, "The King^s Commissioners of 
Council, with my Ladie Prince's Grace, in the 
Marches of Wales.'* John Voysey, L.L.D. (who 
afterwards assumed the name of Harman) pre- 
sided at this time, and continued in office till the 
year 1534. This very learned and courtly pre- 
late was highly esteemed by the King who em- 
ployed him in many embassies, appointed him 
tutor to the Princess Mary, aud gave him the 
Bishopric of Exeter, and the Presidency of the 
Marches. Himself learned, he was a great pa- 
tron of learned men, especially divines, whom he 
preferred in his own church above all others. 
He was very bounteous and liberal to all men» 
and though bom to great possessions, indepen- 
dent of his official and episcopal income, yet he 
died poor. Men are best understood in their 
unpremeditated actions, and one of the letters 
of the celebrated Sir Thomas More to his daugh- 
ters, carries us back in imagination to the age in 
which this good bishop lived, and exhibits a 
striking, and undoubtedly true, picture of his 
character. 



M HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

*nMHiiM More lendctb haitie metiiig to his detrert daugh- 
ter M argwetL I will let paae to tell you* my sweetest daughter, 
liow raiwh yonr letter debated mc ; yon maj imegiDe how ex. 
ceedinglv it pleased your nther, when you nnderetande what af< 
fectioB the feading oi it cansei] in a stranger. It happened me tbia 
ereiii og to sit with John Lo. Bishop of Bxeler, a learned man ; and 
by all men's indgment, a moat sincere man : as we were taUdng 
together, and! tuing out of my pockett a paper which was to the 
porooae we were talking abont, I palled out by chance there* 
witn your letter. The hand writing pleasine him, be took it from 
me and looked on it ; when heperaeiVcd it by the salutation to be 
a woman's, he beganne more greedily to read it, noveltie iuvitini^ 
him thereunto: bat when be bad rmd it, and understood that it 
was your writing, which he never could have believed* if 1 had not 
seriously affirmed it; such a letter, i will my no more; yet why 
should I not report that which he myd unto me ! so pure a style, 
•0 good latine, so eloqoent, so full of sweete aflectims ; he was mar- 
vejonsly lavished with it: when I pereeived that, I brought forth 
also an oiation of yours, which he reading, and also many of your 
verses, he was so moved with the matter so unlooked for, that the 
'verie eonntenancc and gestare of the man, free from all flatterie 
and deoeipt, bewrayed that his mind was more than bis words could 
utter, altnough he uttered manie to your great praise; and forth- 
with he drew out of his pockett a Portugn, the which you shall re* 
oeive inclosed herein I could not possibl^ shdue the taking of ft, 
but be must needs send it unto yuu, as a sign of his dear affection 
towards you, although by all means I endeavoured to give it him 
againe ; which was uie cause I shewed bim none of your other sis- 
ter's works, for I was affhtid lest 1 should have been thought to 
have shewed them of purpose, because be should bestowe the like 
courtesie upouthem: for it troubled me sore that I must needs 
take this or him: but be is so worthie a man, as I have said, that 
it is a bappinesse to please him thus ; write carefully unto bim and 
aseloquently as you areable, to give him thanks therefore. Fare- 
well from the court this 11th. of September, 1527, even almost at 
midnight " 

Sir Rowland Lee, Bishop of Lichfield, ap- 
pointed in 1634) was the first Lord President of 
what was properly denominated the ''Coiirt for 
the Government of Wales/' and it was in his 
time that the complete division of Wales into 
counties, and the union of the two countries was 
efilected. In the attainment of this important 
object the worthy bishop was the most active 
agent chosen by King Henry VIIL Henry was 
undmibtedly a very vicious character; yet as 
bad qualities are often united to great talents, 



JOHN DUDLEY. 96 

we generally find him to have exercised much 
skill in the selection of his ministers and officers 
of state, and the appointment of this prelate to 
the Presidency is an evident example. During 
his very active administration the intolerable a- 
bnses in the Marches had been fully disclosed, 
and those districts were completely cleared of 
the bands of robbers with which they had been 
infested. Sir Rowland was probably keeping 
his court at Shrewsbury when he was seised 
with his last illness, and died at the house of his 
brother the Dean of St. Chad's, in the college, 
on the 4tb. of January, 1542, on the 27th. of 
which month he was buried in the church of St. 
Chad, under a marble tomb before the high 
altar. It is remarked of him, in the Shrewsbury 
MS. Chronicle, that he "brought Wales, beinge 
att hys fyrste comynge very wylde, in good 
syvilitie before he dyed ; who sayd "he wold 
macke the whyte sheepe keepe the blacke.'' 
' In 1543, Richard Sampson, Bishop of Lich- 
field, was President. Removed 1548^ 

John Dudley, Earl of Warwick and Duke of 
Northumberland, presided in 1548. This noto- 
rious Duke was also Earl Marshal and Lord 
High Admiral, he was the son of Edmund Dudley, 
the detested associate of Empson ; both agents, 
if not instigators of those tyrranical and oppres* 
sive acts, the recollection of which lay heavy on 
the conscience of the seventh Henry on his death 



96 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

bed. The evil propensities of Dudley descended 
to his offspring^ throug^h several generations; 
among whom this "bold bad man'* was not the 
least celebrated. He possessed ability, was 
courageous and enterprising ; but fraudulent, un- 
just, and of unrelenting ambition. He had the 
address to prevail with Edward VL to violate the 
order of succession, and settle the crown on his 
daughter-in-law, the Lady Jane Grey. Several 
historians speak of him as the greatest subject 
that ever was in England. He was executed for 
rebellion, in the first year of Queen Mary. It 
has been observed, that he had eight sons, of 
whom none had any lawful issue. 

In 1549, Sir William Herbert, K. G. after- 
wards Earl of Pembroke, was President. This 
Peer was the base born son of William Herbert, 
Earl of Pembroke. Made esquire of the body to 
King Henry VHI. he found means of ingratiating 
himself with that monarch, obtaining several 
offices in Wales, and enormous grants of abbey 
lands in some of the southern counties. In 
1654, the thirty-seventh year of his age, he had 
the King*s license to retain thirty persons in his 
service, under his livery, badges, &c. theKing*s 
marriage with Catherine Parr, his» wife*s sister, 
increased his consequence ; and Henry on his 
death bed appointed him one of his executors, and 
a member of the young King^s council. His ac" 
tivity in suppressing commotions in Wales, and 



. EARL OF PEMBROKE. 97 

in some of the western counties of England , 
procured him the office of master of the horse ; 
the order of the Garter, a valuable wardship, and 
the Presidency of the Council for Wales, were 
bestowed on him as a reward for important ser- 
vices against the Cornish rebels, which he per- 
formed at the head of one thousand Welshmen* 
He next became conspicuous as a commander 
of forces in Picardy, and Governor of Calais : 
and claimed as his reward, the titles of Baron 
Herbert and Earl of Pembroke, extinct by failure 
of legitimate heirs. 

The aspiring Northumberland , deemed it an 
object of importance to secure the support of a 
nobleman who now appeared at the head of 
three hundred retainers; and whose authority 
in Wales and the southern counties of England, 
formed an aggregate of power not exceeded by 
the hereditary influence of the most powerful and 
ancient houses. To engage him in his interest, 
he procured a marriage between Lord Herbert, 
Pembroke's eldest son, and the Lady Catherine 
Grey ; which was solemnized at the same time 
with that of Lord Guilford Dudley and Lady 
Jane, Catherine's eldest sister. The selfish am- 
bition pf Pembroke was not to be arrested in its 
progress by any ties of friendship or alliance : 
when his sagacity discovered the falling fortunes 
of his associates, he was therefore quickly in- 
H 



98 HirrORT OF LUDLOW. . 

duced to sacrifice others to effect his own es- 
cape ; for tboagh he concurred in the measures 
of the privy conncil in behalf of Lady Jane's title 
to the crown, it was by artifices of his own de» 
vising that the pfoclamation of Mary took place 
with the sanction of that body. By this act he 
secured the fiivour of the new Queen, whom he 
further propitiated by compelling his sob to di* 
vorce the innocent and ill fated Lady Catherine* 
Mary confided to him the charge of suppressing 
Wyat's rebellion, and ai^rwards made him cap- 
tain general beyond the seas ; in which capacity 
he commanded the English forces at the battle 
of St Quintttts* Elizabeth chose him of her pri« 
vy council on her accessioui and afterwards, in 
conjunction with Northampton, Bedford, and 
Lord John Grey, appointed him to assist at the 
meetings of divines and men of learning, for the 
final settling of the religions establishment of the 
country. He was likewise made commissioner 
for administering the oath of supremacy. His 
death happened in the year 1570, in the sixty- 
third year of his age. 

Nauoton, in his ''Fragmenta Regalia," speak- 
ing of Panlet, Marquia of Winch^ter and Lord 
Treasurer ; who he says had then served four 
princes, ''in as various and changeable seasons, 
that well I may say, neither time nor age hatk i 

yielded the like precedent,*' thus proceeds 'Uhis 
man being noted to grow high in her (Queen i 



COUNTBSS O^ PEMBttdKE. 1119 

EUieabeih'is) fatoar, was questioned by an inti- 
mate firietid how be stood np for tbirty years to- 
gether iuBiidi^t tbe changes and reignA oif Uo many 
eliAtieellors aild great pertonages. "Why/^ 
qaoth the inarqtfis^ **Ortus mm ex saliee, nan ex 
quetcuJ" (By being a willow arid not an oak). 
And traly tbe old imun bad tanght them all, es- 
pecially Willifliai Earl of Pembroke; for thejr 
two Wer^ ever of tbe Kidg*s religion, and ever 
zealoits professors.'^ 

Among the means employed by Pembroke for 
lirei^rving the ^aeeri^s favour, was that of paying 
his conrt to her minister Robert Dddlley ; and 
Lofd Herbert, wboi^e first marriage had been 
Contracted in Col^Kance with the views of the 
father, now formed a third in obedience to the 
wishes of tbe soA. Tbe lady to wh6m he was 
Hohi^ ufAie4 was the niece of Dudley, . and sister 
to Sir Philip Sidney ; one of the most accom- 
plished Wom^n of her age ; celebifated during 
h^r lif^ by the wits and poets whom she patro- 
Afaed, and preserved in the memoi^y of posterity 
by the foltowing epitaph from the pen of Ben 
Joi^fsott.*— 

*iniideitteath thin wble hene* 
Lies tbe wbject of all vene, 
SidD«y*s sUter, Pembroke*! motber ; 
Death, fie thou bast slain aDother 
liMtfu'd atid lair and good as sbe, 
Tima shall throw his dart at thee." 

*The Bene was a fratte of wood like a coffin, covered with black 
cloth, kefit over tbe graves of persons of distinction, sometimes for a 
^eat after interment, generally surmounted with a canopy, and in mo. 
dem times called a Qatafat^, 



41536? 



100 HISTORY O^ LUDLOW. 

Nicholas Heath, Bishop of Worcester, occu- 
pied the Presidency iu 1553, which being agaia 
given to the Earl of Pembroke during a short 
period, devolved in 1555 to Gilbert Bourne, 
Bishop of Bath and Weilti. Heath and Bourne » 
were two of the five catholics chosen bv Queen 
Mary to succeed that number of reformed bish- 
ops who were deposed on her accession. 

The next person mentioned as President, is 
John Lord Williams of Tame. He was of the 
same family as the Protector Cromwell, whose 
great grandfather was Sir Richard Williams, 
knight, who assumed the surname of Cromwell, 
in the reign of Henry VUL This Gentle- 
man rose, like most of the great men in Henry's 
Court, from a very inconsiderable beginning : 
for he was only a menial servant of that Prince, 
and was afterwards clerk of the jewel house, and 
gaining interest at court, he procured a patent 
for the office of master treasurer thereof; (but 
Thomas Lord Cromwell, then a rising favourite, 
obliged him to part with half of it to himself) he 
was knighted by Henry and held many lucri^tive 
offices, particularly that of treasurer of the aug- 
mentations. He purchased Ricot in Oxforshire ; 
he was a partisan of Queen Mary, . and by her 
created, by writ of summons to Parliament, Lord 
Williams of Tame (but it was not enrolled); she 
also made him Lord Chamberlain of the house- 
hold to King Philip, that Queen's consort, he 



SIR HENRY SIDNEY. 101 

i¥as made President by Elizabeth and died in 
the first year of her reigti. 

In the beginning of the reign of Queen Eliza- 
beth, Sir Henry Sidney, K. G. was appointed. 
'*Sir Henry Sidney/' says Miss Aikin, in her in- 
teresting Memoirs of the Ceurt of Elizabeth, 
"was one of the most apright, as well as able 
of the ministers of Elizabeth : that he was the 
father of Sir Philip Sidney was the least of his 
praises : and it may be cited as one of the capri- 
ces of fame, that he should be remembered by his 
son, rather than his son by him. Those quali- 
ties which in Sir Philip could afford little but the 
promise of active virtues, were brought in Sir 
Henry to the test of actual performance ; and 
lasting monuments of his wisdom and his good- 
ness, remain in the institutions bv which he sof- 
tened the barbarism of Wales, and appeased the 
more dangerous turbulence of Ireland by promo- 
ting its civilization/' 

Sir Henry was the son of Sir William Sidney, 
a gentleman of good parentage in Kent, whose 
mother was of the faniily of Brandon and nearly 
related to the Duke of Suffolk of that name, the 
favourite and brother-in-law of Henry VIII. Sir 
William in bis youth had made one of t band of 
gentlemeh of figure, who, with their Sovereign's 
approbation, travelled into Spain and other 
countries of Europe, to study the manners and 
customs of their respective courts. He likewise 



1U3 HISTORY OF LyD|.OW. 

distinguished himself at the fi^ld pfflodden. 
The King stood godfather tq his son Henry> bom 
in 1529y and caused him tQ b^ educi^ted vith 
the Prince of Ws^les, to whom Sir Wilii^un was 
appointed tutor, chamberlain, and 9tewi|rd- The 
excellent qui^lities and agreeable taleiits of young 
Sidney, soon endeared him to Edward* w(^ OBade 
him his inseparable companion and pfteq his bed- 
fellow ; he kept him in clpse i^ttepdance on his 
person during his long de^Upe, and pealed his 
friendship by bi^eMhing his last hi his arpis. 

During the short reign of thisli^mepted Prince* 
Sidney had received the honour of l^pigtithood ; 
and had been intrusted^ at ihit ei^rly age of ooe 
and twenty, with an embassy to the French l^ing ; 
in which he acquitted hin^etf f^ i^b(y that he 
was soon afterwards sent in a diplpm^tic cha- 
racter to Scotland . He had like wii^e formed con^ 
nections which had iinpo^ti^nt influence on hist 
after fortunes. Sir John Cheke hi^kl him in p^« 
ticular esteem, and through his qieansi he l^id 
conlXQkcted a cordial friendship wi^ Cecil, of 
which, in various ways he fpund the benefit to 
the epd of his life. A daughter of tjh^ aljl-pow- 
erful Duke of NorthumberUmd honoured him 
with her hand ; a dangerous gift, which w^ 
likely to have involved him ia the ruin which the 
guilty projects of th^t audacious man drew down 
upon the heads pf himself and his family. 

But the prudence or loyalty of Sidney preser- 



SIR HBNRY SIDNEY. 103 

ved him from the siare. No vooner had his 
rojal .master breathed bis last, than rchnquish^ 
ing all concern in public affairs, he withdrew to 
the safe retirement of his own seat at Penshnrst, 
vrhere he afterwards afforded an asylam to such . 
of the Dudleys, as had escaped death or iapri* 
sonmeat. 

Queen Mary seems to have held out an ear- 
nest of futwe favonr to ^oey, by naming him 
among the noUemen and knights appointed to 
attend PhiKp of Spain to Eagland for the com« 
pletion of his nuptials ; and this Prince further 
honoured him by becoming sponsor to his after- 
wards oeMirated son, and giving him his own 
name* But Sidney soon quitted a court in which 
a man of protestant principles could no longer 
reside with salisfaetion, if with safety, and ac- 
companied to Irdand his brother-in-law Viscount 
Fitxwalter, then Lord Deputy. In that kingdom 
ha first bore the office of Vice Treasurer, and 
afterwards, daring the frequent absences of the 
Lord Deputy, the high one of sole Lord Justice. 

The aooesaion of Elisabeth enabled Lord Ro- 
bert Dudley to make a large return for the for- 
mer kindnesats of his brother-in-law ; and sup- 
pofled by the influence of this distinguished 
fan^nrite, in addition to bis personal claims. Sir 
Henry rose in a liew years to the dignities of 
Prny coansdlor and Knight of the Garter. 
Afiter his embassy to France be was appointed 



' 



104 HI8TOBT OF LUDLOW. 

to the post of Lord President of Wales^ to which, 
in 1565, the still more important one of Lord 
Deputy of Ireland was added ; — an union of two 
not very compatible offices, unexampled in our 
annals before or since. It is evident from Eliza- 
beth's steadiness in persisting to appoint and 
reappoint him to this most perplexing depart- 
ment of public service, in spite of all the cabals 
of English or Irish growth, that though his fa- 
vour with her might be sometimes shaken, her 
rooted opinion of his probity and sufficiency 
could never be overthrown. 

From a perusal of the Sidney papers, it is 
abundantly evident that neither the superiority 
of his understanding nor the purity of his mo- 
tives could secure Sir Henry from the attacks of 
malice, and the train of evils which too com* 
monly pursue and overwhelm great and good 
men in high stations ; but in his domestic con- 
cerns he was more fortunate, and could not fail 
to be highly gratified in the singular happiness 
of being the father of a son so deservedly the idol 
of his own, and the admiration of succeeding 
ages. 

''Sir Philip Sidney was educated by the cares 
of a wise and excellent father, in the purest and 
most excellent moral principles, and in the best 
learning of the age. A letter of advice which 
this affectionate parent addressed to him at the 
age of twelve, fully exemplifies both the lauda- 



SIR PHILIP SIDNEY. 105 

ble solicitude of Sir Henry respecting his future 
character, and the soundness of his views and 
maxims : in the character of his son on his ad- 
Tancing to manhood, he saw his hopes exceed- 
ed and his prayers fulfilled. Nothing could be 
more correct than his conduct, more laudable 
than his pursuits, when on his travels ; young as 
be was, he merited the friendship of Hubert 
Languet. He also gained just and high reputa- 
tion for the manner in which he conducted him- 
self in an embassy to the protestant Princes of 
Germany. He was among the English travellers 
doomed to be eyewitnesses of the dreadful mas- 
sacre of St. Bartholomew, being then only eigh- 
teen years of age. On that night of horrors he 
took shelter in the house of Walsingham, and 
thus escaped all personal danger ; but his after 
conduct fully proved how indelible was the im- 
pression left upon his mind of the monstrous 
vrickedness of the French royal family, and of the 
disgrace and misery which an alliance with it 
must entail on his Queen and country. 

His indiscriminate thirst for glory was in some 
measure the foible of his character, and hence, in 
correspondence with one of his favourite maxims, 

**Aat Tiftm iDvenbiiii aat fiidain," 

be meditated to join one of the almost piratical 
expeditions of Drake against the Spanish settle- 
ments. It is probable he was diverted from this 
design by the strong and kind warning of his 



106 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

true friend Langu^t, "to beware kst the tbirvt 
of Ittcre ihould oreep into a mind which had 
hitherto admitted nothinii; but the love of trath, 
and an anxiety to deserve well of aU men." If, as 
has been alleged, he was led by bis wish to oon- 
oiliate the Queen's favour to some aots of adula- 
tion unworthy of his spirit, for these he made 
large amends by hia noble letter against the 
French marriage. He afterwards undertook, 
with a zeal and ability highly bonoarable to his 
heart and his head, the defence of his father, 
accused but finally aequitted. This business 
involved him m dispntea with the Earl of Ormond» 
his father*s enemy ; who seems to have generous- 
ly xi^verlooked provocations which might have led 
to more serious consequences, in consideratioQ 
of the fiMal feelings of biayouthiiil adversairy." 

In the contest which Elizabeth pursued, m 
co^iuictieii with the Dutch, is support of the 
pvotestanl cause agatnat the Duke of Parma, 
Sir Philip Sidney distinguished bimsttlf by a well 
conducted surpnie of the town of Aid, umA 
xeeeived in reward, the bonoiu of luughtbood 
fiem diQ hands of his unde. Afkeiwasds, having 
nmtif^ aa attidk with the bsrse under his com* 
mand on a reiofbf eemeat which the enemy was 
atjkmptipg to thiow iftto Zatpken, a ho* aetion 
ensued; in which»ths4|gb the advantage rraiaiii- 
ed with the English, it was dewAy purchased by 
the blood of their gallant leader, wlm received a 



3Iit njtif SIDNBT. 107 

shot above the knee, whicb, after siiteen days 
ef acute suffering, brought his valuable life to 
its lefmination. 

Thus perished at the early age of thirty-rtwo, 
the pride and pattern of his time, the theme of 
song, and the favourite of. English story. The 
beautiful anecdote of bis resigning to the dying 
soldier the draught of water with which he was 
about to quench his thirst as he was oanried faint 
and bleeding from the fatal field, is told to every 
child ; and inspires a love and reverence for bin 
name, which never ceases to cling about the 
hearts of his countrymen. He is regarded a» 
the most perfect example which English hiftory- 
affords of the jms€mx ChaomUer; and is named in 
parallel untb the spotless and fearless Bayaid, 
the glory of Frenchmen, whom he excelled in all 
the accomplishments of peaoe, as much as the 
other exceeded him in thenumbcv and ^lendot 
of his militai^ achievepnenta. 

His death was worthy of the best parts of bio 
bfe ; he shewed himself to the last devout, oo»« 
rageoos, and serene^ On the whole though jus^ 
tice ehaps. the admission thai the obasaoter of 
Sidney wan nol entiveliy free from the iMdto 
most incident to his age and ntatiiNi, and that 
neither as a writer, a scholar^ a soldier, or a 
statesman, (b all which oharaolesf , during the 
coufse of bis short life, he apfieased, and appear* 
ed with distinotioo) la he entided to the hiyhesi 



108 HISTORY OP LUDLOW. 

rank ; it may yet be firmly maintained that, as a 
man, an accomplished and high souled man, he 
had among his contemporary countrymen neither 
equal nor competitor. Such was the verdict in 
his own times, not of flatterers only, or of friends, 
but of England, and Europe ; such is the title of 
merit under which the historian may enrol him 
with confidence and complacency, among the 
illustrious few whose names and examples still 
serve to kindle in the bosoms of youth the ani- 
mating glow of virtuous emulation. 

Sir Henry Sidney was spared the anguish of 
following such a son to the grave ; having him- 
self quitted the scene a few months before. 

Domestic occurrences had taught Sir Henry 
that his near connection with the Earl of Leices- 
ter had its dangers as well as advantages ; and 
observing the turn for show and expense with 
which it served to inspire the younger members 
of his family, he would frequently enjoin them 'Ho 
consider more whose sons than whose nephews 
they were." In feet he was not able to lay up 
fortunes for them ; the ofiices he held were 
higher in dignity than emolument, his spirit was 
noble and mnnificent; and the following among 
other anecdotes may serve to show that he him- 
self was not averse to a certain degree of parade ; 
at least on particular occasions. The Queen 
standing once at the window of her palace at 
Hampton Court, saw a gentleman approach es- 



SIR HBNRY SIDNEY. 109 

corted by two hundred attendants on horseback ; 
and turning to her courtiers, she asked with 
some surprise, who this might be? But on being 
informed that it was Sir Henry Sidney, her Lord 
Deputy of Ireland and President of Wales, she 
answered, "and he may well do it, for he has 
two of the best offices in my kingdom." 

But if his attachment to the vain distinction 
of pomp and show may be accounted a weakness, 
yet in his private history abundant evidence re-* 
mains of the soundness of his judgment, the 
goodness of his heart, and the integrity of his 
character. No truly wise, pious, or good man 
ever persecuted, or sanctioned the practice in 
others ; and we liud it recorded to his honour, 
that in opposing the persecuting rage of the 
time in which he lived. Sir Henry subjected him« 
self to the imminent danger of becoming the vic- 
tim of courtly or priestly intrigue, and of losing 
that portion of the royal favour which he had so 
long deservedly enjoyed. 

Dr. Whitgift, Bishop of Worcester, and Vice 
President of the Marches of Wales under Sir 
Henry Sidney, peculiarly distinguished himself 
by his activity in detecting secret religious meet« 
ings of catholics, and for his zeal was rewarded 
by the privy council ; who directed to him and to 
some of the Welsh bishops, a special commission 
for the trial of those delinquents. They further 
instructed him, in the case of one Morice who had 



110 HISTORY OF LVBLOW. 

d«cliiied aiiswering directly to certain interroga- 
tories tending to criminate himseU; that if he re- 
mained obstinate, and the commissioners saw 
cause, they might, at their discretion, sttbject 
him to some kind of torture. The same means 
be was also desired to take f^ith otheirs, in or- 
der to discover the practices of pafrists in thes^ 
parte. See Strype's Life of Whitgift, p. 83. 

Among the Sidney papers, volume 1, p. 276* 
is a letter of considerable length on the subject 
of this commission, directed to Sir Henry, and 
written by Sit Francis Walsingham, Secretary of 
State ; in which, after atatiag that the said com- 
mission had lain dormant for more tiian a year, 
a fear is expressed that "a very hard construction 
would be made of his keeping it so long an J 
doing no good tlierein, notwithstanding his having 
made jonmies in Wales to do somewhat in the 
cause of religion." It is further stated in the let- 
ter, that bliune is attributed to him for actin j; 
without the concurrence of those more zealously 
inclined persons mentioned in the said coitinris- 
sion : and attached to the letter is a postscript to 
the following effect. '< Your Lordship had need to 
walk warily, for your doings are narroii^ty obser- 
ved, and her Majesty is apt to give ear to any that 
shall speak HI of yon. Great hold is ta^en by yoti# 
enemies for neglecting the execution of this com- 
intssion/' Jbated Oatkmds, August 9, 1580. 

If we justly i^preciate the character of Sir 



SIR HBNRY SIDNEY* 111 

Henry, we shall not be surprised nt his aterslon 
to join with persons influenced by a spirit of 
persecution, which led men to hate and destroy 
each other for difi^rence of opinions, religious 
or politicaL Indeed this horrid vice arose from 
the ignorance and wickedness of the age» and a- 
mong the dignified and powerful at that period, 
none Wiere free from the contagion eiept a iew 
eminently malted characters, distinguished by 
superior wisdom and benevolence. Successive 
ages of civilization have now brought us to a 
more enlightened »ra, in which reason and jus- 
tice are predominant. 

Sir Henry*s conduct in his official capacity 
eitemplary ; we shall also find, by cdostilt- 
^inithentic papers which have been published 
r^^yt to himself and family, that wisdom and 
true christian piety influenced and guided his 
life in all its relations, civil and social. There 
IB, among the papers above mentioned, a letter 
which has been already referred to as contain- 
ing impoftont instructions for the conduct of life. 
The preceptive part of this letter is estimable in 
itself, and as a specimen of Sir Henry's style of 
thinking and writing in his private studies, may 
with propriety be here introduced. — 

**Let ymir fint aatkm be the lifting up of yoar mind to timigfety 

leditation, and thinKiDir 




Ood, by hearty prayer, with coutinoal meditation, and thinaiD^ 
of him to wbom yon pray, ttad of the mattei' for .which yon ptky. 
And nie this as an ordinary act, and at an ordinary hour. Whereb] 

n in remembmuce to do that wbicli /oi 
In your itudy apply yonnelf qnch houra 



And nie tnis as an ordinary act, and at an ordinary nour. wnereuy 
the ttaae ittelf will put yon in remembmuce to do that wbicli ynk 
are accnatomed to do. In your itudy apply yonnelf qnch houra 
aa yonr diacreet master doth aiitgn yon, eaneitly ; and the time 



112 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

(I know] he will an limit, at dwU be both saffieient for year learn- 
log, and safe foryoor health. And mark the aenae of that you 
read, as well as the words. So diall you both enrich your tongue 
with words, andyonr wit with matter; andiudjpnent will grow 
as yean grow in yon. Be humble and obedient to yonr nut- 

ter, for unless you frame younMslf to obey others, yea, and feel in 
yourself what obedience is, you shall never be able to teach others 
to obey yon. Be courteous of gesture and a&ble to all men, 

with dfiversity of reverence, according to the dignity of the person. 
There is nothing that winneth so much with so little cost. Use 
moderate diet, so as after your meat you may find yonr wit fresher, 
and not duller, and y6or body more lively, and not more heavy. 
Seldom drink wine, and yet sometimes do, lest being enforced to 
drink upon the sudden, you should find yourself i nflamed. Use 
exercise of body, but such as is without peril of your joints or 
bones, it will encrease your force and enlarge your breath. De- 
light to be cleanly, as well in all parts of your body as in your 
garments. It shall make you grateful in each compaoy, and other- 
wise loathsome. Give yourself to be merry, for yon degene- 
rate from yonr ftither if you find not Tourself most able in wit 
and body to do anything when yon be most merry : but let 
your mirth be ever void of all scurrility and biting words to 
any mam for a wound giveuby a word is oftentimes harder to 
be cured than that which is given with the sword. Be yoa 
rather a hearer and bearer away of other men's talk, than a begin- 
ner or procurer of speech, otherwise yon shall be counted to de- 
light to hear yourself spettk. If you hear a wise sentence or an apt 
phrase, commit it to your memory with respect to the circnm* 
stance when you shall speak it ' Let never oath be heard to 
come out of yonr mouth, nor word of ribaldry; detest it in others, 
so shall custom make to yon a law against it in fourself. Be 
modest in each assembly, and rather be rebuked of light fellows 
for maidenlike sbamefacedness, than of your sad friends for pert 
boldness. Think upon every word that you will speak before 
you utter it. Above all things tell no untruth, no not in tri- 
aes. The custom of it is naughty, and let it not satisfy you, that 
for a time the hearers take it ibr a truth, forafter it will Im known 
as it is to your shame: for there cannot be a greater reproach to a 
gentleknan than to be accounted a liar. 9tndy and endeavour 

Jourselftobe virtuously occupied. So shall you make such an 
abit of well doinff in %ou, that yon shall not know how to doevil, 
though you would. Remember^ my son, the noble blood you are 
descended of by your mother's side; and think that only by vir- 
tuous life and good actionayou may be an ornament to that iilus* 
trlous &mily ; and otherwise, through vice and sloth, you diall be 
accounted **labe* generis," one of the greatest curses that cau 
happen to man." 

In the History of Shrewsbury an aqcount is 
given of Sir Henry's visit to that place for the 
purpose of keeping the feast of St. George, on 
the 23rd. of April, 1581. The procession march- 
ed from the Council House to St. Chad's church. 



SIR H£NRT SIDNEY. 113 

the stalls of which were, on this occasion, deco- 
rated with the arms of the knights, in imitation 
of the chapel at Windsor ; with a highly deco- 
rated unoccupied stall set apart for the Queen : 
in passing this Sir Henry made the same lowly 
obeisance, as if her Majesty had heeu actually 
present. The service was ''sung by note*' and 
in the evening the feast began and the Lord 
President kept open house. The week following, 
the four Masters of the Free School entertained 
his Lordship with a costly banquet: supplemen- 
tary to which, on the followiug day, the scholars, 
to the number of three hundred and sixty, muster* 
ed in a place called the Gay, with their masters, 
when the head boy, or geueral, with the cap- 
tains, addressed the President. The entertain- 
ment concluded by another pageant, of the boys 
in masquerade, stationed on the small island 
about a mile down the river. The purport of 
the speeches or songs was to lament the depar* 
tare of their favourite Sir Henry, who com- 
menced his journey in a barge ; "there were 
placed by the water side certain appointed scho- 
lars of the Free School, being apparelled all in 
green, with green willows on their heads, mar- 
ching by and calling to him, making their la- 
mentable orations." 

One boy alone thus addressed him, — 



114 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

'fOh staye tbe barge, row« not so faste, 
Kowe uot 8o faste, oh ataye a whije. 
Oil staye to heart the plajrutes at least 
Of Dymphs that harbour m this isle. 

Their woe is gfreat, great moan they make, 
"With doleful tones they doe lament. 
They howle, they crie, their leave^to take. 
Their garments greene for wpe they rent. 

Oh, Seavenie tume thy streame quite backe, 
Alas ! why dost tbott us anoye; 
Wilt thou cause us this Lordto lacke, 
Whose presence is our only joy. 

Rut hafke! methinks I heare a aounde, 
A woeful sounde T plainly heare, 
Home sorrow g^eat their hearte doth wonnde* 
Pass on my Ix>rd to them diawe neare.'* 

Four boys appear in green, singings — 

"O woeful wretched tyme, oh doleful day and honre. 
Lament we may the loss we have, and floodsof tews out poure. 
Come nymphs of woods and hilles, come help ui moan we pray^ 
The water nymphs our sisteis dear, do take our Lord away. 

Bewayle we may our wrongs, revenge we cannot take, 

Oh that the gods would bring him back, our sorrows for to slake.** 

One boy alone, with music, — 

"O thrice unhappy wight, 
O sillie sonle what bap have I. to see this woeful sight ; 
Shall I now leave my loviugpB Lord, shall he now'fnmi me goc^ 
Why will he Salop nowe forsake, alas why will he soe. 

Alas my sorrows doe increase, my heart doth rent in twayne. 
For that my Lord doth hence depart, and will not here remain.** 

"And because/' says the chronicler, "ihewhoie 
of the orations are somewhat tedious to put 
them here downe, I thought best to place here 
the fynyshynge of the later staffe of the last 
nymphe that spacke ; whiche sange the hole 
with music playeynge. — 

"And wyll your honor needs depart. 
And must it needs be soe? 
Wold God we could lycke fyshes swyme,. 
That we might with tbe goe ! 

Or ells wold God this lytill ile 
Were stretched owt so iardge, 



LOUD ZOUCH. 115 

That we onue foote might fbUow the, 
And wayte upon thy hardge. 

But leinge we cannot swyme, 
And th* uelande's at an ende, 
Saffe passage with a short returne, 
The myghtie God the seode/* 

He died in the Bishop's Palace in Worcester, 
A. D. 1586, and was conveyed from thence to 
his house at Penshurst in Kent, where he was 
most honourably interred. He was, however, 
previously embowelled ; his entrails were buried 
in the Dean's Chapel in the Cathedral Church 
at Worcester; and his heart was brought to 
Ludlow, and deposited in the same tomb with his 
dearly beloved daughter Ambrosia, within the 
little oratory which he had made in the Church of 
St. Lawrence. The leaden urn which contained 
his heart was lately in the possession of Mr. S. 
Nicholas of Leominster, who communicated to 
the Gehdeman's Magazine an exact description 
and drawing of it, copied in that work in Septem- 
ber, 1*794. It is about six inches deep and five 
is diameter at the top, with the following inscrip- 
tion, dated the year of his demise : 

Her lith thb Harte of 
Syr Henry Sidney, L. P. 
Anno Domini 1596. 
In the same year he was succeeded by his son- 
in-lfllw Henry Earl of Pembroke, who continued 
till his death. May 5, 1001. To whom succeed- 
ed Edward Lord Zouch of Codnore, who died 
1606. 



116 HISTORY OF tUDLOW. 

From 1610 to 1612 the Presidency was given 
to Ralph the third. Lord £ure ; whose Lady was 
Mary daughter of Sir Joho Dawnay of Sessay in 
the County of York : his remains are in Ludlow 
Church. 

Thomas Lord Gerald of Bromley, was appoin- 
ted in 1616, and during his year of Presidency 
the Castle was honoured with a visit from Prince 
Charles, (aftewards Charles I.) who celebrated 
with great pomp and magnificence his accession 
to the Principality of Wales and Earldom of Ches- 
ter. In the year foUowing, on the 12th of Novem- 
ber, William .Earl of Northampton, was invested 
with the office ; he continued till his death, Jane 
24, 1630, and was succeeded by Sir John Egerton, 
created afterwards Earl of Bridgewater ; he was 
appointed President June 26, 1631, by King 
Charles I. who about this time again visited Lud- 
low, and was welcomed with much ceremony and 
rejoicing. An old manuscript states, 'Hhat he 
entered the Castle amidst the discharge of the 
great guns and firelocks of the soldiers, attended 
by all the officers- magnificently dressed and 
mounted ; and so great was the pomp, that the 
like thereof was never before seen in these parts.*' 
The 'Mask of Com us was acted in the Casile 
of Ludlow during the Presidency of the Earl of 
Bridgewater. That .exquisite effusion of the 
youthful genius of Milton had its origin in a real 
incident. When the Earl entered on his official 



L 

k 



MILTON'S COMUS. 117 

residence, he was visited by a large assemblage 
of the neighbouring nobility and gentry. His 
HODS the Lord Brackley and Mr. Thonras Eger- 
tODy and his daughter the Lady Alice, being on 
their journey, — 

"to attend their father's atate. 

And new entrusted sceptre/* 

were benighted in Haywood forest, in Hereford** 
shire, and the lady for a short time lost. The 
adventure being related to their father on their 
arrival at the Castle, Milton, at the request of 
his friend Henry Lawes, who taught music in the 
family, wrote the Mask, Lawes composed the 
music, and it was acted on Michaelmas night ; 
the two brothers, the young lady ^ and Lawes 
himself bearing each a part in the representation. 

This poem, famiKar to every English reader, 
has been allowed, by the most competent judges, 
to be one of the finest compositions of the kind 
in the English language, and will ever be held in 
peculiar estimation, as exhibiting the fair dawn 
of that genius which burst forth in full splendor 
in the divine poem of Paradise Lost. 

''We must not," says Warton, ''read Comus 
with an eye to the stage or with the expectation 
of dramatic propriety. Comus is a suit of 
speeches, not interesting by discrimination of 
character, not conveying a variety of incidents, 
nor gradually exciting curiosity, but perpetually 
attracting attention by sublime sentiments, by 
fanciful imagery of the richest vein, by an exur 



118 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

berance of picturesque description, poetical al- 
lusion, and ornamental expression. 

There is a chastity in the application and con- 
duct of the machinery ; and Sabrina is introduced 
with much address after the two brothers had im- 
prudently suffered the enchantment to take effect. 
This is the first instance in which the old English 
JMask has in some degree been reduced to the 
principles of a rational composition ; yet still it 
could not but retain some of its arbitrary pe- 
culiarities.'' 

To this eulogy may be added the praise of 
having displayed the loveliness of virtue, aod ex- 
posed the deformity of vice, by a lively and 
consistent allegory, and by a succession of just 
jand moral sentiments enforced with all the. en- 
chantment of poetic eloquence. So well is the 
lone of Milton's numbers sustained throughout 
the piece, that, to give a specimen of its excel- 
lence any passage might be promiscuously taken. 

In the conduct of the fable, in the structure 
of the blank verse, and .in certain peculiariticss 
of diction, Shakespeare is closely copied. The 
following passage is a curious instance of the 
success with which he has been atudied. 

"He that hw light wUhiD hit mm clear hiMjt, 
May sit I'th* centre and enjov bright day : 
But he that hides a daik sow and fool thoughts. 
Benighted waliu under the mid day sun ; 
Himself is his own dungeon." 

The conclusion of the Mask strongly evinces 
that the author never intended it for general re- 



Milton's comus. 119 

presentation^ and that he had no other view than 
the particular purpose for which, at the request 
of his friend, he undertook it. The scene chan- 
ges from the magic palace of Comus to a view 
of the Town and Castle of Ludlow ; and one of 
the songs is addressed to the Earl and his 
Countess, congratulating them on the constancy 
of their children in the trials to which their vir- 
tue had heen exposed. 

It is singular to remark that this composition 
met with a reception much more favourable than 
the later and more mature works of Milton. It 
vras represented by noble actors, on a stage and 
before auditors equally noble. But whatever 
honours accrued to the poet on this account, 
were in the lapse of a few ages to reflect on his 
patrons from the splendor of his name. 

The pomp and pageantry, the princely mag- 
nificence that attended the Court of the Marches 
were soon to disappear, and the stillness of de- 
Bolation was to succeed to the bustle of festivity 
and merriment. This proud Castle, which once 
held dominion over a whole Principality, was to 
be abejidoned to decay, to be spoiled of every 
memorial of its illustj ious inhabitants, and to be 
left an awful monument of the mutability of hu- 
man affairs. Yet even in this state it might 
still excite interest; though ruiued it might be 
venerable, though solitary it could never be 
wholly deserted ; and the traveller, who turned 



120 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

aside to view its ruins, would pause ere he pas- 
sed on, to do homage to the memory of the 
divine poet who had hallowed them with his 
immortal strains : — 

*'Here Milton sung, what net^s a gremter spell 
To lure tbee, stranger, to these far fam'd walU ? 
Tbongb chroniclers of other ages tell 
That princes oft have grac'd fair Ludlow's halls. 
Their honours glide along oblivion's stream. 
And o'er the wreck a tide of ruin drives; 
Faint and more faint the rays of glory beam 

That gild their coarse ^the bara alone suivivct. 

And when the mde unceasing' shocks of time 
In one vast heap shall whelm this lofty pile, 
Still shall his genius, towrriug and sublime, 
Tri umphant o'er the spoils of grandeur smile ; 
Still in these haunts, true to a nittioo's tougne, 
Echo shall love to dwell, and say, here Milton sung." 

During the struggle between Charles I. and 
the Parliament, Ludlow and Shrewsbury were oc- 
cupied by the royal party headed by the Princes 
Rupert and Maurice, who had possession of this 
part of the country and the greater part of Wales. 
In 1645 Shi'ewsbury was taken in the night by 
surprize, by Colonel Mytton. The garrison sur* 
rendered by capitulation, and were allowed to 
march with their arms to Ludlow : at the same 
time thirteen Irish soldiers were left to the mercy 
of the enemy, who immediately hanged the whole 
of them. This was said to be their general custom. 
On this occasion Prince Rupert retaliated, as 
-appears from a journal published at the time. 
''The House of Commons being informed that 
Prince Rupert had hanged 13 honest Protes- 
tants, that lived about Shropshire, because there 
were 13 Irish rebels hanged in Shrewsbury, after 



CIVIL WAR. 121 

some debate thereoo, ordered that Prioce Ru- 
pert should be informed that there is a great 
difference between Irish rebels and English pro- 
testants, and if he does the like again we must 
retaliate.*' Again in another paper of the day : 
*'it is indeed a lamentable consideration that 
such faithful upright men should be taken away 
in lieu of the cursed Irish rebels come over to 
fight against the Parliament." The Irish massa- 
cre often thousand protestants, which took place 
in 1641, may account for, and in some degree 
excuse, the cruel spirit manifested on this occa- 
sion ; and it will scarcely be disputed, that the 
mutual hatred between the ignorant populace of 
the two countries has been in a considerable de- 
gree continued even to the present time : a spirit 
whicb nothing can destroy but the better influ- 
ence of a reciprocal interchange of acts of jus- 
tice and christian charity. 

In March, 1645, Prince Rupert at Ludlow, and 
Sir James Astley at Bewdley, were actively at- 
tempting to raise additional forces ; part of their 
army also occupied Cleobury, Tenbury, and Bur- 
ford. They were supposed to be meditating an 
attack upon Shrewsbury. In the mean time the 
opposite party observant of their movements, 
drew out a body of troops from Worcester, Lich- 
field, and Shrewsbury; an engagement took 
place at Stokesay, near Ludlow, and the Royal- 
ists were defeated with great loss. In this engine* 



122 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

ment Sir William Croft, of Croft Castle, was 
slaio. It was Dot till the year following, J line 
Mt. 1646^ that the Castle of Ludlow fell into the 
hands of Oeneral Sir William Breretoo, to whom 
it was given up by Sir Michael Woodhouse. 

The Earl of Bridgewater died in 1648, and 
w«8 succeeded by Richard Lord Vaughan, Earl 
of Carberry : during the greater part of his time 
-the Castle was strongly garrisoned for the Parli- 
ament. Here amidst the noise and bustle of civil 
diasentsons, we find this worthy nobleman en- 
couraging genius, and affording a comfortable a- 
sylum to Butler, the satirical author of Hudibras. 

in 1667 Henry Somerset, Marquis and Earl of 
Worcester, was Lord President ; he was son of 
the celebrated Edward, Marquis of Worcester, 
-the most extraordinary projector upon cecord. 
Henry was, in bis father s life time, created Earl 
of Glamorgan by Charles L and by Charles II. 
appointed President of the Council for the Prin- 
cipality of Wales, elected Knight of the Garter, 
4uid cfCMited Duke of Beaufort. 

Frinoe Rupeit'{>resided in 1670, and is suppo« 
sed to have conlimied till his deatih, which hap- 
pened November 29, 1602. This Prince, of the 
Mtfal line ^f Stewart, was the third son of Fred- 
ericky Kimg of Bohemia and Elector Palatine, by 
Elizabeth daugliter of James X. of England, bom 
at Prague, L619. He was Count Palatine of the 
Rhine, Dake of Bavaria and Cumberland, Earl of 



PRINCE RUFERT. 123 

HoUerness^ and Knight of the Garter* He had 
not exceeded the thirteeoth year of his age, v/he^, 
with Henry, then Prince of Orange, he marched 
to the siege of Rhineberg ; at eighteen years of 
age he commanded a regiment of. horse in the 
German wars ; and being taken prisoner at the 
battle of Uiota, by the Imperialists, he coatiau- 
ed in captivity three years. In 1642 be came to 
£nglaitd and offered his s^nrices to King Charles 
I. his uncle, who gave him a command in his 
army : and having performed important servioes 
in the royal cause, he was rewarded by the 
King with various honours and emoluments* 

At Edgehili he charged with incredible bravery 
and made a great slaughter among the Paflu»- 
mentarians* In 1643, he seised the town of Ci- 
rencester: obliged the governor of liehMd to 
sunrender; and having joined his brother Prinee 
Maurice, reduced Bristol in three days, and pas- 
sed to the relief of Newark. In 1644 he marched 
to relieve York, where he gave the Parliamenta- 
rians battle, and entirdy drfeated their right 
wing; but CromweU charged the Miaiqnas of 
Newcastle with such an irresistible fcorce, that 
Prince Rupert was enticeLy defeajted. After this 
the Prince put himself into Bristol, which mm- 
rendered to Fairfax, after a gallant resistance. 

It is not easy to gather laurels in fighting a- 
gainst a conquering enemy ; but if Priioe Rupert 
could not by his prowess avert the inevitable 



124 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

overtbrow of the party be had engaged to sup- 
port, yet after he had left the kingdom his suc- 
cessful encounter with the Dutch fleet, under De 
Ruyteri drew from Dryden and other contempo- 
rary poets, as well as from the chroniclers of 
those times^ encomiums which might seem ex- 
travagant, if it were not known that bis bravery 
was above all praise. 

' This Prince is celebrated for the invention of 
mezlbliinto engraving, of wblcb be is said to have 
taken the bint from a soldier scraping his rusty 
ittsil. The first print of thi^ kind ever published 
was done by bis Highness, and may be seen in 
the first edition of "£velyn*s Sculptura/' The 
secret is said to have been soon after discovered 
by Sherwin the engraver, who made use of a 
loaded file for laying the ground. The Prince 
upon sight of one of his prints suspected his ser- 
•vai|t hiRlJent him his tool, which was a channel- 
led ^ler, but upon being satisfied to the contra- 
ry, he made him a present of it. The roller was 
afterwards laid aside, and an instrument with a 
crenelled edge, in shape like a shoemaker^s cut- 
ting knife, was used instead of it. The glass 
'drops invented by him are well kiiowp. He also 
•invented a metal called by his name, of which 
guns were cast; and contrived an excellent me- 
thod of boring them, for which purpose a water- 
mill was erected at Hackney Marsh. He com- 
municated to Christ<^her ]^irby, the secret of 



EARL OF MACCLESFIBLO. 126 

tempering the best fish-hooks made in England. 
Prince Rupert, who was a man of harsh fea* 
tures, a great humorist, and. of little elegance in 
bis manners or dress, was but indifferently qua- 
lified to shine in the court of Charles II. He made ■ 
a much better figure in his laboratory ; or at the 
head of his fieet; in which station he was equal, 
in courage at least, to any of the sea officers of 
this reign* He died at his house in Spring Gar- 
dens, 29th of November, 1092. On his death 
Somerset, Marquis and Earl of Worcester, was' 
a second time appointed to the Presidency by> 
King James II. and in 1684 Sir John Bridgeman 
was President. He was a very severe man,. fre- 
quently committing persons to the Porter's Lodge' 
for trifling offences ; on which account one Ralph 
Gittins, who had probably experienced his seve- 
rity, composed the following distich. — 

**Here hes Sir John BridgemaD, clad In hit chy. 
Gnd mid to the devil, sirrab« take him away.** 

He was buried in Ludlow Church. 

Charles, Lord Gerard of Brandon, Viscount 
Brandon, and Earl of Macclesfield, was the last 
Lord President; he was descended from the very 
ancient family of Gerald ine, or Fitzgerald, in Ire- 
land, he raised a regiment of foot and a troop of 
horse for Charles I. in the Civil War, and fought 
in many battlei;, with the ardour of a volunteer, 
displaying at the same time all the conduct of a 
veteran. He particularly signalissed himself in 
Wales, where he took the fortresses of Cardigan, 



im HISTORY OV LUDLOW. 

fiinbiiii, Langhorne, and Roche ; as also the 
stroBg town of Haverfordwest, with the castles 
of Picton and Carew. James I!, began his ireign 
in 1684, and three years afterwards visited Lud- 
low in his progress through the country. It is 
remaiiiable that during his stay at Ludlow on 
this occasion, his Majesty was the guest of Sir 
Job Charlton at Ludford House. In endeavouring 
to account for this circumstance, it must be re- 
membered that the Earl of Macclesfield was one 
of the Lords who had a few years before present- 
ed the King, whilst Duke of York, as a popish re- 
cusant, at the King's Bench bar in Westminster 
Hall. The apparent design of his Majesty on this' 
occasion was to gain popularity, and he every 
where manifested a wish to conciliate the good 
will of his subjects by a courteous behaviour, 
professing it to be his earnest wish to give full 
liberty of conscience, settled as firmly as Magna 
Charta had been. 

In 16d8, December 4th, The Lord Herbert of 
Cherbury, Sir Edward Harley, and most 6f the 
gentlemen of Worcestershire and Herefordshire 
met at Worcester, and declared for the Prince of 
Orange : Ludlow Castle was taken for the Prince 
by Lord Herbert: and Sir Walter Blount and the 
popish Sheriff of Worcester secured in it by 
that Peer. 

The Court for the Government of Wales was 
dissolved by Act of Parliament in the year 1689; 



Eut tMe of lbs Culle. 

iB$wxiptio$ ^rrmtnt 

OF THE ANCIENT AND PRBSBNT STATE OV 



rpH£ liberties of the Borough of Ludtow ex- 
tend on tlie east to the tovnafaip of Rock, 
to the township of Overton on the south, to fur- 
ther Halton on the west, and to the township of 
Stanton Lacy on the norUi. The Town, like 
Shrewsbury, is on a hill, with a declivity on 



128 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

every side. It is spacious and well built, having 
a cleauly -and cheerful appearance ; surrounded 
by a country, whicb^ in every direction, affords 
prospects highly beautiful. 

Lloyd, in his "Breviarie of Britayne," describes 
this place, as the "fay re Towne and Castel of 
Ludlaw, vpon Themis in Screupshyre, in olde 
time called Dinav." Formerly this town was in- 
closed by a strong wall, about a mile in circum- 
ference, including the Castle: which, to use the 
words of Leland, "hemmeth in part of the town,." 
and forming the most interesting object, first 
attracts attention. 

The Castle rises from the point of a headland, 
and its foundations are ingrafted into a bare grey 
rock. The north front consists of square tow- 
ers, with high connecting walls, which are em- 
battled with deep interstices, and the old foss 
and part of the rock have been formed into walks, 
which in 1772 were planted with beeches, elms, 
and lime trees, at the expense of the late Count- 
ess of Powis. These trees having now grown to 
maturity, form a soothing and grateful shade, 
and add eiLceedingly to the beauty and dignity 
of the scene. 

A bare and precipitate ridge runs parallel on 
the western side, and is beautifully crowned 
with wood, above a chasoi through which the 
broad and shallow river Teme pursues its course. 
Having walked round the Castle, we enter the 



THE CASTLE. 129 

base court, containing several acres. The prin- 
c^pal entrance is by a gateway under a low 
pointed arch, worked within a former one of 
larger dimensions. On the right hand, as we 
enter this gateway, are the ruins of barracks, in 
constant use when the Castle was the Palace of 
the Lords Presidents of Wales ; and further on is 
a square tower with its entrance from the wall ; 
the embattled rampart, pierced with loops, re- 
mains here and there in picturesque masses; on 
the left is a range of stone buildings said to have 
been stables ; on which appear the arms of Queen 
Elizabeth, with those of the Earl of Pembroke, 
who succeeded to the Presidency on the death 
of his relation Sir Henry Sidney. Contiguous &re 
the ruins of the court house, which had a door 
outwardly, and beyond it is a lofty tower, called 
Mortimer's Tower. 

This tower has been denominated semilunar : 
the inner &ce of it is indeed flat, but its outward 
projection forms rather a half oval than a semi- 
spherical figure. The lowest apartment has the 
appearance of having been a prison ; the origi- 
nal entrance being through a circular aperture 
in the ponderous keystone of its vaulted roof. 

The body of the Castle is on the north and 

west sides of the inclosure, guarded by a deep 

and wide foss, cut in the rock. A stone bridge 

of two arches, on which are some remains of an 

K 



ISO HISTORY OV LUDLOW. 

embattled (Mtnpet, supplies the place of the 
ancient drawbridge, and leads to the great en^ 
trance gate. 

The portal is of modem erection, of no great 
strength or beanty, constructed during the Presi" 
dency of Sir Henry Sidney. The arch is mean and 
flat, and the adjacent building has wide square 
transom windows, and high pointed gables. Over 
the portal is a niche with the following insciip^ 
tiov, under the arms of England and France :-^ 

ANNO DOMINI MILLBSIMO QVINGBNTESI^ 

MO OCTA6ESIMO COMPLBTO, ANNO RBGNI 

ILLTSTRfSSIMJE AC SSRBNISSIMiB RB6INJK 

ELIZABBTHJE VICESIMO TBRTIO 

CURRENTS, 1581. 

In a compartment below, with the armorial 
bearings of Qqeen Elicabeth and Sir Henry Sid-* 
ney, as the following, — 

HOMINtBVS INGRATIS LOQVIMINS LAPIDSS. 
ANNO RBGNI REGINJE SLIZABBTHA i28. 
THE 22 YEAR COPLET OF THE PRESIDENCY 

OF SIR HENRI SIDNEY, 
KNIGHT OF THE MOST NOBLE ORDER OF 

THE GARTER, ETC. 1681. 

For the querulous beginning of it tlie Sidney 
papers will readily account. Sir Henry had been 
nurtured in courts, and intrusted with the govera*- 
ment of Ireland, in the rigid administration of 
which he found many success&il enemies ; he 
therefore sought here a more peaceful occupation. 






TH£ CASTLB. 131 

The first view of the interior of the Castle is 
stsikiBglj fiae. The court is an irregular sqaare 
area not rety spadous^ but the lofty embattled 
structures with which it is inclosed » diottgh in 
min, still preserving their original outhiies; the 
bold masses of tight and shade produced'by deep 
retiring breaks ; the rich tints and stains of age; 
^e luxurious mantling of ivy, and the sullen 
stillness that new reigns throughout these forlorn 
and deserted towers, once the scene of royal 
splendor and feudal revelry, present a spectacle 
of the fallen magnificence of past ages, rarely 
to be equalicd. Adjoining the gate are various 
apartments bdooging to the Porter, the Warder^ 
and probably the lower retMuers of the Presi^ 
dent : near the entrance are the remains of a 
beautifiil d<HNrway leading to a staircase, with a 
frieze of quatrefbils, charged with shields^ and 
flanked with small ornamental buttresses. 

The Keep is a vast square embattled tower of 
early Norman architecture, rising on the left side 
of the gate to the height of 110 feet, ivy-mantled 
to the top, divided into four stories. At each 
of the angles is a small square turret, rising die 
whole height ; that on the north larger than the 
other. The ground floor is the dungeon, or 
prison, formerly called Pendover, a gloomy and 
dreadful place of confinement^ half under ground. 
The roof is arched, and 21 feet high. In the 
arch are. three square openings communicating 



i' 



132 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

with the chamber above ; these openiDgs, be- 
sides supplying the meaos of letting down the 
prisoners, and inspecting them at pleasure from 
the governor's room above, are supposed to have 
been intended for raising supplies of ammunition, 
offensive implemoits, and provision during a 
siege. A strong arched doorway on the north 
side, evidently inserted a long time after the e- 
recUon of the tower, has been intended for an 
entrance to this spacious vault. The ground 
floor measures 31 feet by 16. On the eastern 
side there is a quadrangular cell, worked in the 
wall, with two entrances, each retaining part of 
the hinges belonging to doors or grates. From 
these appearances the appropriation of this 
dark and uncomfortable apartment to purposes 
of revenge and tyrannical oppression has been 
presumed; and some persons, inclined to credit 
an unsubstantiated tradition, would have us 
believe that this cavern was the den of a lion, 
said to have been kept here in savage ferocity, 
the Executumer of the Castle. 

In the north-east turret a newel staircase 
winds up to the top of the keep, opposite to 
which towards tiie top of Ihe south-east turret 
is a slight projection ; here tradition informs as 
a human beings for some heinous offence, was 
inclosed within' the wall to suffer an agonising 
death. Executions of this kind were by no means 
uncommon in ancient times ; King John ordered 



THE CASTLB. 133 

Maad (the wife of William de Breos) and her son 
William to be inclosed in the wall of a tower of 
Corfe Castle, where they were starved to death. 
On the second floor is a large room 30 Teet by 
W, with a fire place; this communicates on the 
left with a square arched chanlber» and on the 
right with a narrow oblong room which has also 
a groined roof, having two deep recesses in the 
dividing wall. 

At the south-west angle of the larger apart- 
ment is a lobby, formed of three groined round 
arches, which leads to a narrow passage, com- 
municating outwardly with a walk, once proba- 
bly a covered way, on the rampart, which con- 
ducts to a small but strong tower at a distance. 
Above these have been other chaniibers similarly 
disposed, to which there now remains neither 
floors nor roof. The original arches to the doors 
and windows of this tower were all round and 
phiin, the latter approaching outwardly to nar- 
row loops; many have been eiilarged and altered 
to pointed arches externally, but mostly bear 
their original forms within. This master tower 
measures 46 feet by 34 ; and the walls are from 
9 to 12 feet thick. The ruins of the offices form 
a confased mass, extending a considerable way 
to the left, and into the court. A wide fire place 
in the wall marks the place of the kitchen ; and 
where the brewbouse is said to have been, is a 
deep well, nine feet in diameter, in clearing 



184 HISTORY OP LUDLOW, 

whiciiy at the depth of 32 yards, a coat of fio« 
pipe clay was found on the walls. The oveo is 
OD the ground floor of a tower next to the outer 
wall, near which place the hakehonse has heeo 
sitnatedy it is of large dimensions, measuring 16 
feet in length, 13 in breadth, and 4 in depth. 

The enlarged scale on which these hoRsdiold 
offices appear to have been coostructed, calcu- 
lated to supply abundance, bordering on profu- 
sion, joined to the gloomy horrors of the dun- 
geon, are strictly correspondent mth gothic 
imagery, as equally necessary to unbounded 
hospitality, as to barbarous punishment. 

The hall £Mes the gate, and was approached 
originally by a flight of steps, now destroyed ; 
under it is a low room, with five deep recessea 
in the south wall ; the same is continued under 
€he apartment on the left. The hall door is a 
beautiful pointed arch, of the style of Edward the 
first's reign, ornamented with delicate moaldings, 
and before it seems to have been a porch or lobby. 
The hall measures 60 feet by 30, the height a* 
bout 35 feet. On the north side, looking to the 
country, are three lofty pointed windows, dimi- 
nishing outwardly to narrow lanets with trefiofl 
heads. On the opposite side, neat the court, are 
two windows in the same style, but larger, and 
each divided by a single mulhon. Between these 
is a chimney with an obtuse arch of the sera of 
Elizabeth, inserted within a more Ipfty sharp 



; 
/ 



TttB CASTLE* 19d 

pointed one, whiefa Irom its similitude to those 
. adjotniDg, was, it is conceived, originally a third 
window, answering to the same number opposite ; 
for there certainly were no iire places in halls 
when this building was erected.* There remains 
now neither roof nor floor; so totally dilapidated 
is the once elegant saloon, where the splendid 
scene of Cdmus was first exhibited, where chival- 
ry (exhausted her choicest stores, both of inven- 
^ tion and wealth, and where hospitality and mag- 
^ nificence blazed for many ages in succession 
VV without diminution or decay. Two pointed arches 
lead to a spacious tower attached to the west 
^ end of the hall, in which are several apartments, 

^ N ' one of which is still called Prince Arthur's room. 
Hie room on the first floor meaiures 37 feet by 
83. At the north west an^l^ is a deeply reces-' 
aed closet : all the floors are much decayed, or 
entirely gooe. On the opposite end of the haH, 
with a pointed arched door of communication, is 
^ another large square tower of three stories, the 
A J principal apartment of which is pointed out as 
^ the baoquettiog room. A spacious chamber a- 

vj " bove appears to have been more adorned than the 
rest; the chimaeypiece has an unusual degree of 
rude magnificence ; and the corbels of the ceiling 
are finely wrought into busts of men and women 
crowned. A door on the south side of the room 



'**lliere U in the Hall (sayi Cburcbyard) a gieat grate of iron of a 
huge heigbW 



186 HISTORY OF LVDLOV. 

on tilt ground floor openi to a winding pasiage 
which ends in some email gloomy rooms, and od 
the left to two deep angular recesses terniiDateJ 
by narrow loops looking outward. Each of thrse 
towers has a newel staircase in an elegant oct- 
angular turret,. 



On the left hand is a circular building with 
window and doorway of the early Norman pe- 
riod ; this is part of the Chapel, of which the 
nave only is standing. There is a beautiful arch 
still remaining, but the choir with which it com- 
municated is entirely destroyed ; this, as well as 
that of the western door, is a rich Saxon arch, 
covered with chevron, lozenge, and reticulated 



THE CASTLE. 137 

ornaments. The outside of the building is en- 
circled b^ a band with a billeted ornament, and 
there are three windows, circularly arched, or- 
namented with chevron mouldings. In the inte- 
rior, rising from the floor, are fourteen recesses 
in the wall, formed by small pillars with indent- 
ed capitals, supporting round arches which have 
alternately plain and zigzag mouldings. About 
three feet above, this arcade are projecting cor- 
bels, carved as heads, capitals of pillars, &c. 
The whole length of the Chapel, extending to the 
eastern wall of the Castle, was, when entire, 70 
feet, of which the choir was 42, and the nave 28. 
Churchyard the poet, who died in 1570, had 
the pleasure of beholding the Castle and its 
Chapel in the perfection of their beauty, the lat« 
ter of which he describes as, — 

*'9o bravely wronght, lo fayre and finely fram'd. 

That to world's end the bcmitie may endoie. 

About the aame are arms in colours sitch 

As few can shewe, in any aoyle or place: 

Which truel^ sbewes the annes, the blood and race 

Of soodrie kings, butcheefly noble men, 

That here in prose 1 will set out with pen. 

All that follow are the names of Princes and Noblemen. 

Sir Walter Lacie was the first owner of Ludloe Gutle whose 
armes an there, wad so foUowes the rest by order as yon may leade. 

Jeffrey GeuyniJe did match with Lacie. 

Roger Mortymer, the first Earle of Marehy, an Earle of a great 
borne, matcht with Genynile. 

Lrooell, Duke of Clar«nce, joined with Ulster in amea. 

Edmond, Earle of Marehy, matcht with Clarence. 

Richard, Earle of Gambridge, matcht with the £arle of M aichy. 

Richard, Duke of Yoike. matcht with Westmerland. 

Edward the fourth matcht with Wodvile of Rivers. 

Henry the seventh matcht with Elizabeth right heire of England. 

Henry tlie eight matcht with tiie Marque«e of Penbroke. 

These are the neatest first to be named that are set out worthely 
aa they were of dignity and birth. 






\ 



138 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

Now Mkmcsthe Ml of thoie tbat «we L91A Pi«rideiiU» ud 
olhen whose anmes are in the same ChappelL 

Wllltam 8initli, Binbop of Lincolne, w»i tbo tint Lord Pieai- 
dont of Walea. in Prince Arthur's daies. ^ , .^ ^ . ,^ , _, ,^__,^ ^ 

Jeffrey Biythe, Bishop of Coventne and LitchSeld, Ixnd Prendent. 

Rowland Lee, Bishop of Ck>veotrie and Litchfield* I/)rd Preaident. 

John Haitnan, Bishop of Exeter, Lord Pkesident. 

Richard Sampson, Bishop of Litchfield and Goventrie, I/ird 
President. 

John Dudley, Earle of Warwick, (after Duke of Northumberiand) 
Lord President. 

Sir William Barbert, (after Earle of POnbioke) Lord Piesioeiit. 

Nicholas Beath, Bishop of Worcester, Lord Piesident. 

Sir William Harbert, once amine Lord President. 

Gilbert Bourne, Bishop of Bathe and Welles, Lord President. 

Lord Williams of Tame, Lord President 

Sir Barry Sidney, Lord President. 

Sir Andrew Corbiet, kutgbi Vicepresident 
There are two blanks left without armea. 

Sir Thomas Diuham, knight, is mentioned there to doe some 

tieatgood act . -„ * , 

John Scory, Biabop of Hartford. 

Nicholas BoIUngkiun, Bishop of Worcester. 

Nicholas Robiuaon, Bishop of Bangore. 

Richan) Davics, Bishop of Saint Daviea. 

Thomas Davies, Bishop of Saint Assaph. 

Sir James Crofts, knight, controller. 

Sir John Throgmorton, knight, Justice of Cheater and the three 
ibieraiofEastwdci. 

Sir Bugh Cholmiey, knight 

Sir Nicholas Arnold,.knight. 

Sir George Bromley, knight and Justice of the three abietes in 

William Oerrard, Lord Channcellor of Ireland, and Justice of 
the three shieres In Soutbwales. 
Charles Fo«, esqnier and secretorie. 
Ellice Price, Doctw of the Lawe. 
Edwwd Leigliton. esquier. 
Richnd Seborne, esquier. 
Richard Pates, easier. 
Rafe Barton, esijuier. 
George Phetyplact, esquier. 
William I^igbtou, esquier. 
MylM Sands, esquier. 

The armes of all these afore spoken of are gallantly and cunningly 
set out in the chappetl.** 

From an inventory of the goods found in Laid- 
low Castle, bearing date 1708, the eleventh year 
of the reign of Queen Anne, we learn that about 
forty rooros were found entire at that period. 
Among these were the hall, council chamber. 



THE CASTLE. 139 

Lord Presidenl's and my LsiAy's wiihdmwiB|^ 
rooms ; the Steward's room» great dming room, 
chief Jjistice's room, second Judge's room. 
Prince Arthur's room. Captain's apartments, 
&c. also the kitchen, brewhouse, &c. and as in 
this inventory a table and altar are stated to 
have been found in the Chapel, we may presume 
the choir was at that time remaining. 

The progressive stages of ruin to which this 
noble edifice was doomed to fall, may be dts* 
tingnished in the accounts of travellers who 
visited it at various periods. In the account 
}>refixed to Buck's Antiquities, published in 
1774, it is observed, that many of the royal 
apartments were entire, and the sword of state 
with the velvet hangings was preserved. An ex* 
tract from a tour through Great Britain, qaioted 
by Grose as a just and accurate account of the 
Castle, represents the Chapel as having abun* 
dance of coats of arms upon the pannels, and 
the hall as decorated with the same kind of oraa* 
meats, together with lances, spears, firelocks, 
and old armour. Dr. Todd, in his learned edition 
of Coraus, says, ''a gentleman who visited the 
Castle in 1768 has acquainted mc that the floor 
of the great council chamber was then pretty 
entire, as was the staircase. The covered steps 
leading to the Chapel were remaining, but the 
covering pf the Chapel was fallen ; yet the arms 
of some <»f the Lords Presidents were visible* 



140 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

In the great council chamber was inscribed on 
the wall a sentence from 1 Samuel^ Chapter 12, 
Verse 3 ; all which are now wholly gone.'' 

Soon after the accession of George I. an or- 
der is said to have come down for unroofing the 
buildings and stripping them of their lead. 
Decay of course sooii ensued. Many of the 
pannels, oearing the arms of the Lords Presi- 
dentSy were converted into wainscotting for a 
public house in the town, a former owner of 
which enriched himself by the sale of materials 
clandestinely taken away. There remains, also, 
a« richly embroidered carpet, hung up in the 
chancel of St Lawrence*s church, said to.be 
part of the covering of the council board. 

The Earl of Powis, who previously held the 
Castle in virtue of a long lease, acquired the 
reversion . in fee, by purchase from the crown, 
in the vear 1811. 

From the time that some fixed mode of build- 
ing was established, it is not difiicult to ascertain 
the periodical changes which have succeeded ; 
yet thiere may well be supposed intermediate 
times wherein the former mode is found more 
or less mixed with that which has not become 
exclusively adopted. Writers learned in these 
studies^ have, with great labour of resear^^h, 
endeavoured to collect from accounts darkly 
traced by the historian and the antiquary, the 
periods in which the various modes of architec- 



THB CASTLE, 141 

tare found in ancient buildings, have succeeded 
each other: these have been arranged under 
four general heads or periods. 

In the FIRST PERIOD, early Norman archi- 
tecture flourished till 1100, the time of Henry 
I. The keep of this Castle is to be referred 
to this period, having the general character- 
istics of the buildings erected by the first Nor- 
man Barons, towering height, massive strength, 
embattled turrets, &c. The round tower of the 
Chapel is classed with the four specimens of 
this mode found at the Temple Church at Lon«- 
don, St. Sepulchre*s at Cambridge, and the 
round churches of Northampton and Maple* 
sted. Sacred edifices of this description, which 
are apparently copied from the church of the 
Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem, are said to have 
been first erected in England about the time of 
the first Crusade, soon after the millenary year 
of the christian aera, and must of course be refer*- 
red to the first period. 

The SECOND PERIOD commencing with Hen- 
ry I. in 1100, is extended to the time of Henry 
m. 12d0. 

The THIRD PERIOD includes part of Henry 
ni. with the three first Edwards, to Henry IV. 
from 1260 to 1400. The whole range of builds 
ings on the north side of the court, consisting 
of two great square towers, connected by a cur- 
tain, in which are the hall and rooms of stat^ 



142 HISTORY Of LVBLOW. 

are attributed to the middle of this period; 
having sharp pointed arches, delicate ribbed 
mouldings, &c. The offices and ramparts were 
also erected in this period. 

In the FOURTH period, firom 1400 to 160O, 
will be included the modern additions and re- 
pairs : of these, some chimney pieces and arch- 
es, with several windows in the keep, and a 
flat arched door within a square, as a new and 
more airy entrance to the dungeon, may be refer- 
red to the fifteenth century. The ornamented 
remains of a small door to a staircase in the in- 
terior gatehouse may be assigned to the time of 
Prince Arthur^s residence, and the gate, with its 
Adjoining rooms, arc of Queen Elizabeth's reigi^ 
as are also the stables in the exterior court. 

The Castle, in the approach to it from differ- 
ent parts of Whitchff hill, has a grand and im- 
posing aspect; it is also seen to advantage from 
the road to Oakley Park ; from various other 
positions the effect is truly grand, and in some, 
points of view the towers are richly clustered, 
with the largest in the centre^ 

The opening towards the north displays the 
windings of the Teme, with the mansion of Oak- 
ley Park, half hid by trees ; and is terminated 
with a bold outline, formed by the Clee hills, 
Caer Caradoc, and other hills near Stretton. 
The more confined view towards the west ex- 
hibits a bold eminence, partly clothed with 



TUB CASTLB. 143 

vrood, the rocks of Whitcliff tvith the rapid 
stream at their bate, and in short a fdll union 
of those features in rural scenery which consti- 
tute the picturesque. The loveliness of nature 
is heightened by contrast with the venerable 
grey towers of the Castle, and the effect of the 
whole IS calculated at once to awaken the en- 
thusiasm of fancy » and to diffuse the calm of 
contemplation. 

Inspired by a survey of these interesting ob- 
jectSy various poetical effusions have appeared ; 
«mong which the following .is of a superior 
character. 



ODE TO LUDLOW CASTLE. 



"Prond pile that rear*8l thy hoary haad. 
In ruin vast, in silence dread. 

O'er Teme^a Inxnriant vale, 
Thy moM grown halls, thy precincts drear. 
To musing fancy's pensive ear» 

Unfold a variea tale. 

When terror stalk'd the prostrate laud 
With savage Cambria's ruthless band, 

Beneath thy frowning shade* 
Mlx'd with the graaei'solihe plain. 
The plundered helpless peasant tnio. 

In sacred ward were laid. 

From ydn high tower the archer drew 
Wtth steady arm the stubborn yew. 

While, fierce in martial state, 
The milled hoat in long amy. 
With crestfd helms mm buiMis gay. 

Burst from the thundertng gate. 

In happier times how brightly blazed 
The hearth with ponderous billets raised, 

How rung the vaulted halls. 
When smok*d the feast, when care was drown'd. 
When songs and social glee went round. 

Where now the ivy crewU 



144 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

*Tis ptil ! th« Mareher*! princely eoart, 
The ■trength of war the, gay retort, 

I D mouldrinK ailence aleepe ; 
And o'er the tolitary wenel 
While nature haoga her gajlandi green. 

Neglected Memory weepe. 

The mute too weepe : in hallowed hour 
Here aacred Milton own*d her power, 

And woke to nobler Mog; 
The wixard's baffled wilea eB«y'd, 
Bera fint the pnre angelic maid 

Subdued th* enraptured throng* 

But fee ! beneath yon ahatter'd roof 
What mouldy cavern, minbeam proof. 

With mouth iufectioua yawns? 
O! light of dread! O! ruthfeagdooml 
On that deep dungeon's solid gloom 

Nor hope nor daylight dawns. 

Yet there at midnight*s sleepless hour. 
While boisterous revels shook the tower, 

Bedew'd with damps, forlorn. 
The warrior captive prei»'d the stones, 
And lonely breathed unheeded groaus. 

Despairing of the mom. 

That too is past ; unsparing time. 
Stem miner of the tower sublime. 

Its night of ages broke. 
Freedom aud peace with radiant smile 
Now carol o'er the dungeon vile 

That cumb'rous ruins choke. 

Proud relic of the mighty dead ! 

JBe mine with shuddering awe to tread 

Thy roofless weedy hall. 
And mark with fancy's kindling eye, 
The steel-clad ages gliding by, 

Thy feudal pomp recal. 

Peace to thy stem heroic age ! 
Nor stroke of wild unhallowed rage 

Aspail thy tottering form! 
We love, when smiles returning day, 
In cloudy distance to survey 

The remnant ot the storm." 



From tke "Atkfntpum,*' vol. 2. 



TKR CtfUHCB. 



QEOINNINQ our perawbulation <4 the Town 
frdm the north ftottt of the GMtte, we pass 
<M eastward n m tiie with the t«w« wbH, which 
ntt^MK bore ■earl)' eolire, serving m a fonnda- 
ti»» fef Kaxie* wolb, continued ahnost to the 
Ckarch. Neftfat from the north-east earner of 
t^ Caatlc, tniditiaa sa^ that has'fomfrly been 
8 Frioi^, aarf soue writen deaoribe vestiges of 
theehapel bdonghigtoit} but theae accounts 
an dkwbtiiiL 

We eater the CfaWchyud where the gate cal- 
led UnAey gate formerly ateod^ This mme it 
etduT receives from, or gives to, the lane into 



146 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

which it openii ; which lane leads circuitously 
into the lower part of Corve Street. 

A literary gentleman of .Ludlow is of opinion 
that the name Linney has arisen from this lane 
having; been the way to the chapel of Saint Leo- 
nard , deriving; the term etymologically, Leonard ^ 
Lenney, Linney ; but it is altogether as proba- 
ble that the name has been given in the British 
aera of Ludlow, from Llanllkeney, the place, or 
receptacle, of monks or learned men. 

The Church of Ludlow stands in the highest 
part of the town, and is a stately and very spa- 
cious structure, in the form of a cross, with a 
lofty and well adorned tower in the centre, in 
which is a melodious peal of eight bells. The 
principal entrance firom the town is by a large 
hexagonal porch. The nave is divided from the 
aisles by six lofty pointed arches on each side, 
springing from light clustered pillars, each con-> 
sisting of four taper shafts, with the intermediate 
spaces hollowed. Above them is a clerestory, 
with a range of heavy unpleasing. windows. The 
great western window is entirely modernised and 
its richly ornamented muUions destroyed. The 
four great arches under the tower are remarkably 
bold : beneath the eastern arch is the choral 
rood loft, the lower part of which is embellished 
with open carved work, but upon it has been e- 
rected a modern gallery. Above which stands- 
a large and very fine toned organ, given by Henry 



THB CHURCH. 147 

Arthur Earl of Powis^ in the year 1764 ; it cost 
£1000. 

This Church having been formerly collegiate, 
possessed the characteristics of religious estab- 
lishments of that denominatiouy of which the 
rood loft or perke was an essential ; and here 
we find it was most elegantly fitted up as in 
cathedrals, with stalls on each side. These 
stalls remain entire and are of excellent work- 
manship, having been originally intended for the 
use of the ten priests of the rich chantry found* 
ed in the adjoining chapel of St. John of Jeru- 
salem. Music, painting, and language are the 
three modes by which ideas are excited and com- 
municated ; the two former were especially used 
in the ancient church services, and psalm sing- 
ing formed a necessary part of a religious edu- 
cation. It is not known when the ten priests 
ceased to officiate, conferring splendor and dig- 
nity on the choral service ; yet in the registers 
mention is made of Master of the choristers (the 
Precentor) a considerable time after the refor- 
mation. 

The choir is spacious, and lighted by five 
lofty pointed windows on each side, and one of 
much larger dimensions on the east end, which 
occupies the whole breadth, and nearly the 
whole height of this part of the building. This 
great window is entirely filled with painted glass, 
.though not of rich colouring, representing chief- 



148 HISTOmT OF LUDiiOW. 

Jy the legend of St. Latwreoce the patron saint <rf 
the Churchy In the side windows are alsokl^e 
NOMWUi of stained gfass, principally figares of 
■aiat8» of richer coiowring than those of the 
eastern window. 

The chapel of St. Mm is norUi of the choir ( 
in the arindows of which ai« paintings represent^ 
sng Khe history of the Apostkn, and also splendid 
rennantts of stained g^ss portraying the story of 
the ring presented by some Pilgrims to Edward 
the G>nfessor, vAu^ as the chronicles relate, ^waa 
warned of hys death certain dayes before bee 
dyed, by a ring that was brovg ht to him by cer« 
tain Pilgrines commingfrom Hiemsalen, whidi 
ring hee hadde secretly given to a poore man 
that naked hys cbaritie in the name of Ood and 
sainte John the Evangelist." These Pilgrims, as 
the legend recites, were men of Ludlow. 

At the north transept is a sqaare building 
called the Fletcher's Chancel, on the top of which 
is an arrow. It is a probable oonjectnrp, that 
this erection has beea for the use of the Archers 
(Flecheuri, Norman-French) who might keep 
their bows and arrows, and hold their meetihgs 
here. Archery was formerly much enooaiaf ed, 
and English Archers became the best in Europe. 
The Artillery Company in London are the re* 
mains of the ancient Bowmen or Archers, the 
French word Artillene signifying Archery. The 
English chronicles do not mention Archery till 



THE CHURCH. 149 

the time of Richard L is 1109, In the year 
1341 Edward III. isMi^d an order to the sheriffs 
for each of them to provide five hundred white 
bows and fi?e hundred bundles of arrows; simi- 
lar orders were successively given, and at the 
iNittle of Creasy two thousand Archers were op- 
posed to the same number of Freneh* Sir John 
Fortesque repeated^ given hia opiDion» thai 'Hhe 
night of the realme of £nglaad staadyth upon 
Archers/ James I. of Scotknd, in his first Par- 
Ijament^ enacted* "that all men might busk 
thame to be Archaf ea, firat the be 12 years of 
age ; and that at ilk ten punds worth of land, 
thair be made bow marks, and speciaUie near 
paroche kirks* qnhaim upon balie dayia men 
may cum* and at the leiat schute thryce about 
and have usage of Archarie! and whasa usis 
not Af charie* the laiid of the land sal rais of 
him a wedder; and giff the laird raisis not the 
said pane* the kings shirif sal rais it to the king." 
And in the fifth year of Edward IV. every Eag- 
liahnma was enjoined* by act of Parliament* to 
have a bow as high as himself; and butts were 
ordered in every townphip; the inhabitants to 
shoot at these butts every feast day* under pen- 
alty of one halfpenny for evej^ omission. This 
•aenpise had somewhat deeiined* and was again 
^nfoocfid by statute 38 Henry VII!. 
• At the south transept are two chancels* hut 
respecting these all that is known is that the 



150 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

Cordwainers and other companies have, from a 
remote period to the present time, continued to 
meet in them. 

Chantries were originally endowed with lands 
for the support of a priest to offer up prayers 
for the souls of the departed. This use of them 
was prohibited by Edward the sixth ; yet the 
property of the building remained with the des- 
cendants, of the founders, with the exclusive 
right of sitting and burying therein, as long as 
they kept them in repair. The names of Beawpy, 
Cookes, and Hozier are recorded as leaving en- 
dowments for chantries in Ludlow Church. 

The whole of this noble parish Church is ceiled 
with* fine oak and embellished with carving. The 
extreme length from east to west is 203 feet, of 
which the nave is 93, the space under ihe tower 
80, and the choir 80. The breadth of the nave 
and aisles is 82 feet ; the transept measures 130 
feet; and the breadth of the choir is 22 feet. 
The tower rises 130 feet, and forming a promi- 
nent object, gives considerable beauty to many 
prospects from the neighbouring country. It is 
quadrangular, and the upper part near the battle- 
ments was originally adorned with highly finish- 
ed statues of saints, &c. These were deemed by 
Oliver Cromweirs officers, when they were pos- 
sessed of this town, superfluous and irreligious, 
and were accordingly either much mutilated, or 
entirely destroyed. 'Numerous similar works in 



TH£ CHURCH. 151 

various parts of the church suflereci the same fate. 

Leiand and other authors notice this church, 
as being superior to anv in this part of the coun- 
try : and learned writers are agreed that its style 
of architecture is that of the fourteenth and fif- 
teenth centuries, as practised by the immortal 
Wykeham, in the nave of Winchester, and at 
New College, Oxfonl. 

It will grieve the lover of elaborate monumen- 
tal sculpture, so prevalent in the last century 
but one, to see the mutilation which the highly 
finished effigies in white marble, of Sir John 
Bridgeman and his lady have undergone. These 
recumbent figures are in a style of execution 
superior to that of Nicholas Stone, who does not 
particularize this work in his catalogue preser- 
ved by Vertue, and given by Mr. Walpole. From 
the very minute resemblance to portraits by Van- 
dyke, it may be presumed that they were finish- 
ed, as those mentioned in the Cathedral at Glou- 
cester, by the ingenious Francisco Fanelli, who 
vas much employed in England during the reign 
of Charles I. 

The spirit of the ancient religion particularly 
enjoined the practice of "Almose dedes,'' and 
sanctified the memory of the dead who had dis- 
tinguished themselves as the benefactors of man- 
kind and friends of the poor ; hence we yet find 
in most of the ancient churches carefully pre- 
served records of the charitable donations of 



W% HI8TOBT Of LUDLOW* 

opulent indivkliialBy who hoped so to rsbe for 
(bewBelves a ksting ouwuneBt in the gratitnde 
of posterity. Many of these records are to be 
seen heim* but some of the more ancient and 
important are now destroyed, and which through 
inattention would be totally forgotten, were it 
not that we find in ancient authoss notices of 
their former exbtence. 

Lelaad says, *'I noted these graves of men of 
fame in Ludlow. Church. Beauwe, or Beanlrie, 
sometime Ciofferer to king Edward the fourth. 
Cokkis, a gentleman servitor to Prince Arthur. 
Dr. Denton, Master of St John's in Ludlow. 
Suliard, Justice of the Marches of Wales. 
Hosyer, a Merchant." And Churchyard speaks 
of "Ludloe" as-. 



-**» town of nebfofHM, 



Where moaaments are foand in auucient gaiae ; 
Whew Uigt ami queens in pompe did long abyde. 
And where God plcaade that good Pr^i^e Anhor dyde.** 

H? also briefly particularises the memorial in-< 
fcriptipns in the Church in the following verses ; 

<*Withln the qnem there ia a Ladie hjd 

In tomb moit rich, the top of fkyre touchitoqie : 

There was beatow'd in honour of thla mayd 

Great ooat and charge, the tnteth maj well be knowne. 

For an the tombe ia nnUt in aanaptuoaa guise. 

So to the same a doaet fiiyre is wrought. 

Where lords tnaydt in stately solemte wise, 

As though it were a fine device of thought 

To beautifie both tombe and e?ery part 

Of that fiiyre worke that there is made by arte. 

Against that tombe, full on the other side, 

A kniiht doth lye, that Justice Townesead highti 

His wife likewise, so soone as that she dyed. 

In this rich tombe waa buiyed by this knight : 

And trueth to tell Dame Alice was her name. 

An heirs tndcada that biought both wtalth and ]aad» 



TMB CHURCH. IM 



Whawwnciiitwria— ipcBtoawtha w Jet h alMiii 
Asd nwy BHwti wImim ras I do not 
Uato thit kiight ftra j«iMd all a fot. 

Amid the charch a cbaQotrie chappel tUndi^ 

Where Hosier lyei, a man that did much goodi 

Besto«*d fieat vealth, and gavt thereto mnpm laadi^ 

ABd ballot fooro aoulia thai ta necmitkalood. 

At many »e« art beat to win seed will 

By MMMe good tan 

tioHaaierahaiidi) 

For tiinae ha did to det or dmnser 1 

He amy Id to tee a begger at hit doore t 

For all hit joye irnt lo releeve the poors. 



wum V9U* %v wui 0MiMi wua 

i tamo that they m^f frarly abovet 
mdaaad head ipert woriiing etill» 
M to det or dmmger knoiNu 



wMOookcafiBrtNlk, 
Like Hoaier wat in all good gifta of Omee. 
Thia Oookot did give groat hmdt aa Hvioga both; 
For to maintain a duniBtrie in that place. 
A yeerely dole, and monthly almealikewlw 
He ord«ln*d thtre, which now the poore do mitt 
Hit wile and he within that chappel lyea^ 
Where yet fall pkine the ehamitrie ttanffiag ia. 
Some other thiugt of note there may yon tee 
Within that Chndi, not toaohed now h^ mm. 

Yet Beawpy mutt be aam*4i Eood reaaoo why« 
For he bettowcd great chargaoefiova he djf^ 
To helpe poore men, and now hit bonea ao lie 
Fall nere the font, npon tiieforemott tideu 
That in thoae daiet the poore wit lookt nnto^ 
The rieb ww pt4 to ling their wealth away < 
So that their almct tlie poore aome good might do. 
In fooce meaa boKO wM dath hit tMaaaaa hqf^ 
Shall finde again ten fold for one he Icavea : 
Or elamy hope and knowledga ma deoplmk** 

««Ob th9 MUaad floflOTlfcaift the bodr €ftbaciHMh» «• t|b» 
righband Cooketlyea. Beawpy waaa gngatritch Terteonai 



Among the moBumentsl inscriptions arc. the 
foilowiof ^r- 

Heare lyetbe the bodyo of Ambredt SMoey iiUth doagbter of 
the Ririit Honnnrable Syr Henryt Sydney, luiteht of the moate 
nobleoiderof tim ChMier,liorde.lWaent of thoftniiiell of Wallea 
Isc : And of the Ladye Blarye hia wyei; doughter to the fomona 
Dnke of Northmmberiud, who dyed in UiAw CmteU ye »nd 
of Febmarie 1974. 

Hcmelieth the bady ef 8y> Pnbart Twmeihend, Knyght, 
Chief Jnatice of the OonMatt to lh»lfaial«i of Wallea and Chea- 
ter: and Dame Alice hIa wyi^ Po u g bt eraidoaeoftheheyfea of 
Robert Povye, Etqaiie, adboahod batammthem twoo» Xu cbyU 
drtn, Tlionnci anaVI dongthtiitoafnl^ b^ot 



154 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

Heoc lye Um bodies oTEdmvBd Walter, EeqTier, cbicffe Iwtice 
of three ibien iu fk»irth Wales, and one of Hit Majcbtie't CoviicUl 
in tbe Maicbceof Wales; and of Marv bis wife, davgbter of Thomas 
HackWit, of Ey ton, Esovier, who bad iisve three sounes named 
lames, lobn, and EdwardT and two davgbteis named Maty and Do- 
rothy. He fras bvried the 39 day of lanvarie. Anno DnL 1592. 

Here lyeth expectinge a ioyfvll Resmnection, tbe body of Dame 
Mary Evre, Ute wile to Right Hon. Raiphe Lord Evre, Baron of 
MaitAn, Lord President of the PriocipaUitie and Marches of Wales, 
and Lievelenantof the same, and Daughter of 8r. John Dawnej, 
of h'easey, in the Covnty of Yorke, Kuigbt. She departed tbys 
norUll lyfe the 19th day of March, Anno Domini 151S, aeUtis 
svB 55, 

In Memory of Theophilus Salwey, Esq who was the eldest son 
of Edward Suwey, Esq a younger son of Major Richard 8alwey, 
who in the last century sacrificed all and every thing in his power 
In sopport of Public Liberty, and in opposition to Arbitrary Pow- 
er. The said Theophilus Salwey married Mary the Daughter and 
Heirem of Robeit Dennet, of Waltbamstow in the County of 
Essex, Esq. but left no issue by her. Obitt the S8th of April, 1700, 
aetat 01. 

ProR^fesape: pro Republics semper. 

Sacmn Memoriae Dni Jvhannis Brydgeman, Militia, Behiientis 
ad legem et eapitalis Justicisrij Cestriae. Qui maximo omnium 
Bonorum Moerore, (cum 70 annos vixiaset) 5th Fel/r. anno 1630, 
Pie Placideq; animam Deo reddidit. 

FranciacaVxor mcestissima possuit. 

The head of Sir John Bridgeman*8 tomb was 
opened in 1805 (on sinking a grave for the body 
of Mrs. Turner) when tbe hair of both Sir John 
and his Lady were iound pei^ctly entire ; , the 
coffins mouldered on exposure to the air.- 

OaulsqnisAdes! 
• Reverere manes Inclytos 

Edoardl Vavghan, e Tmwscoed Arm. rS ptiiu. 

Johannis VaTgfaan, Equitis Herois, 

Hffredis ex Tniduce, 

Proiu patris magn* ad instar, 

Per omnigeusB literaturae, sive academicse, sive forensis, 

Spatia , 

Hue acerrime vei a puero contendit ; 

Vt principi et patriae 

Egregie inaervireti 

Qnbd feliciter assecntos est, 

Vtri^ gratos et amabilis, 

Et spectatisslmus ciris 

In ipsa temponim 

Virtlgine; 



THE CHURCH. 165 



Vt icn* hlc coudi quern mtiqai cUjitere 

Virum cubicum* 

£t dlTinnm. 

Talis UntQt^ flentibos etiam inimicii, 

Commoneiitibiis pme amicia^ 

Ipie solo Icto et lubcnte, 

Receptua est 

In Beatorum patriam. 

Anno S ^"* MDCLXXXIV. 

( £tatis SOAR 480. 

ConjtigipaieDtiq: desideratissimo 

Vidua cum liberis, 

Perpetim lugens, 

Hoc murtale nonomenUim 

P. 

Ipse tibi immortale epitaphinm. 



^ > 



v.. 



The time of the building of this Church is not 
recorded, but from an attentive survey of its ar* 
chitecture it is supposed to have been early in 
the sixteenth century ; and writers living in that 
or the following age speak of it as newly brought 
to a state of perfection by the society who raised' 
and supported it. ''This Church (says Leland) 
has been much advanced by a brotherhood 
thereinfmmded in the name of St. John the Evan- 
gelist, the original whereof was (as the people 
say there) in the time of £dward the Confessor, 
and it is constantly affirmed there, that the Pil- 
grims that brought the ring from St. John the. 
Evangelist to King Edward were the inhabitanta. 
of Ludlow." If we credit this account, we must 
believe that from the time of the fourth Edward 
a sacred edifice stood here of sufficient impor- 

*8oue of the ancient philoeopbera denominated a iMrfect character 
a cubic wtoH J because tbey said that, like a die, let him be tossed by 
Yoitune howsoever he might, he would always stand upright and 
UDhwt 



IM HISTOKT OF LV9LOW. 

taBce to be the depository of the mouldering re- 
mainii of the great: particalarly that of Edward's 
Cofferer of the Household, an Officer formerly 
of the first importance. 

We are sanctioiied therefore in the presump- 
tion that the present fabric has, from an older 
foundation, been gradually advanced to perfec- 
tion by the ancient fraternity of Palmers, who 
have been always found attached to it as far as 
the history of either can be distinctly traced : the 
vemanis of piunted glass in the eastern window ^ 
of the BOfth ehancd, distinguished from the 
odif r painlnigs by richer colouring and superior 
eieouliQB, seens to favour this opinion. 

Ir ike King's books the living of Ludlow is 
mdaedatiilO 18b. fld. And this estimate beiog^ 
HMkt £20 it is cossequently at the disposal of 
dM Lord Chaacellor. It is a Rectory, aad its 
pMoent vaftve is said to be £200 per annum. 
ThfVt is a Reader and Lectn^r, whose salaries 
are paid ptrtfy by the Corporation and partly by 
die Parish. It is in ebe Bishoprid^ of Hereford, 
and Lndlow is the capital of tkU division of the 
Sioeese. 

The VisHalioas, orlcdesiastieal Courts, am 
held twicn a year, generaHy in May and Oelo- 
bet, for prerring wilhi, granting letters of admni* | 

stration, &c. The Proctors reside at Hereford. -/ 
Coiur Apparitora officiate^ who reside a( Ludlpw, 

Oufy part of the pews in the Church 9x^ jtlie 



THE ALMSHOUSE. 






THB ALM6HOV8B* 167 

heitditary property of the parishioners^ tkeie 
are transferable^ either during a residcnBe in the 
parish, or for one or mors liTes. Those de- 
nominated freehold are saleaUe at any time, a 
proper entry being made in the parish book. 
^ The sale of vacanti of forfeited pews, amounts 

V « to a general average of £60 yearly. 

V \ Near the Churchyard is 

^ i It is a neat and handsome structure, contain- 

^{^ing thirty-three very comfortable apartments. It 

/was founded by Mr. John Hosyer, a Merchant, 

:;; /in the year 1486, but bebg much damaged du- 

' ring so long a period of time, was rebuilt in the 

year 1758 at the expense of the Corporation. « 

This Almshouse, originally erected and en- 
dowed by Mr. Hosyer, seems to hafe been by 
^ bim devised to the ancient fraternity of the Pal* 
^' mers, with property for its support. It is descri- 
^ bed in the Particular of the Guild Estate, as *'an 
Almshouse to the Guild appertaining, with 33 
chaSmfaen therein, inhabited by poor people, ac- 
cording to the foundation and ordiaaocc of Mtf« 
John Hosycar, to every of which pocnr people is 
wedLly albwed 4d. aecording to the same ordin 
Baaoe ;'* but nothing further is discoverable t e^ 
\^ specting its origin or its founder. The present 
substantial erection cost £1211 18s. 2|d. attd 
is kept in very good repair at the average charge 









158 BISTORT OF LUDLOW. 

of £10 a ytax. A new iron TBiling baa lately 
been put Dp in iront, which coat £70. 

Over the door, and under the arms of the 
town ia the followiog inscription. — 



Do mum hiK EIWDUKjnufBDI 
■i« MCCCCLXXXVI, pri'miteT 



nndiQieiitli pioprili Hmptibiis, 

BiUivi. Bunmao. ct CoDinuiiiilM 

villv faujaid« Ludlov, 

AnnoDoBrii HDCCLVltl. 

ADEuttUaiinl Bcgli Otnrgii Kcuud[ 

The weekly allowance of fourpence to each of 
tiie inmatea was deemed liberal at the period of 
its commencement ; bat the gradual alteration 
in the value of property and the necessariea of 
life has induced the Corporation to make a 
voluntary advaacement on the aum allowed, 
which ia now two abillioga and aixpence we^ly 
to each. Adjoining thia building is 



THE COLLEGE. 159 

. THE COLLEGE. 

The old Mansion House of the fraternity of 
the Palmers, is now divided and let out to 
▼arious occupants. The extensive possessions 
formerly belonging to this association form 
not only the groundwork and permanent support 
of the most important charities established in 
Ludlow, but from this original, also first arose 
the surplus property of the Corporation. The 
arduous struggle between Priestly and Kingly 
domination ending at last in the subversion of 
the former by that unconscientious monarch 
Henry VIIL the property of the church, and even 
of private religious associations, were left entirely 
exposed to his rapacity. Under these circum- 
stances of apprehended l) anger, the Palmer's 
Guild agreed to surrender their property .to the 
King, on a promised condition that the property 
so surrendered should be returned .to the town of 
Ludlow, to support its old religious and chari- 
table establishments, sanctioned by the crown : 
though this purpose was not e6fected during 
Henry's reign, yet in the beginning of that of his 
successor the society was dissolved, and the pro- 
perty given up. Upon which, the King .is said 
to have been induced, ''by the supplications of 
the Bailiffs, Burgesses, and Commonalty,*' to re- 
turn the surrendered property, with an injunc- 
tion that it should in part be applied to support 



m HI8T0BT OF LVOLOW. 

the old religious and charitable estabUshments. 
Hence in 1552 ''King Edward Vt. granted to the 
Bailiffs, Bofgesses, and Commonalty of Lodlow, 
the College House belonging originaUy to the 
Palmer's OniM of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with 
all the lands, messvagrs^ &c. betonging lo the 
said Onild/' Part of the issues and profits of 
the said premises to be appropriated to the pur- 
pose of supporting the Grammar School of Lnd-* 
low, to be kept by one Master and one Usher : 
and also out of the profits of the said iwenii8e9 
to be supported thirty-three poor indigent per- 
sons of Ludlow, giring to each of them four pence 
a week, and one chnmbef for each to live in. It 
was ordered alsb that one discavet, able, and fit 
person, learned in holy writ, a nmn fimoiia for 
innoceney and integrity of life, should be, and be 
nailed, the Preacher ; and also another able and 
fit person be^ and be called nssattast to the Rec- 
tor of Lndknt. Thetahuiesofboyitobepaid 
out of the iasues of the said premiiesi^ The 
Bailiffs, Burgesses, fte. of LndWw, at their Own 
proptt cost to support the above-^naaied chari^ 
table and pious imiittnlioua, and also to pay to 
the Kmg eig^t pounds thirteen shillings and 
flMur pence yeasly. 

PRBACanit iUTD ASSISrtfANT. 

The Preadmt is now caUed the Leotatfer, ap- 
pointed by Ac Corporation, and reeeifen yearly 
£m .ias» 4d« with a house which is let for 



CHARITIES. 161 

JE20 a year» his duty consists in preaching a 
sermon every Sunday evening. The Lecturer 
also receives £4 Ss. annually out of Mr. Wal- 
ter's Charity. The Assistant to the Rector, 
now called the Reader, receives from the Cor- 
poration ^86 a year, and has a house which 
lets for £15, making the whole income £100 a 
year. The duties of his office are to read pray- 
ers twice on Sundays and once on other days. 

THE OROANIST 

of the Church formerly received £4, and is now 
paid 30 guineas a year ; but of which the Blower 
has 30 shillings. The Warden of the Guild had 
formerly £9 6s. 8d. The Collector of the rents 
£6, and the Auditor £2 13s. 4d. The Warden 
is now called the Chamberlain and has 10/. a 
year» the Collector has 40/. and the expense of 
an Audit is 3/. 17s. 6d. 

CHARITIES. 

Waiter's Charity. — James Walter, Ek|. left by will d4ted2«th. 
February, KKM, £10 to be paid annually to the poor in the Alnuhouae, 
and £10 to be betitowed yearly on the Parson and I'reacher. 

Mr. Tamlffne*s Ckaritf — bequeathed in 1652, i* stated to have 
been £83 0s 8d. described as one rent, and designcdfor the benefit and 
lelief of the poor of the town of Ludlow ; but no account can be found 
of tiie appHoition of this mooey till the year 1710, in which year there 
to an entry in the Corporation ledger, of the date of February 23, in 
which it is ordered that £20 per annum »hnuld be secured to the trus. 
tees of the cliarity school, out of the tolls of the market; and it is de- 
clared that the said £20, together with the sum of £ld lis lately ap. 
Eropriated,' and then paid by the Town-renter for the use of the Alms, 
oune, wasin fuUsattsfiM:tiun for Mr. Tomlyne*s Charity. £20|ier 
•onum has since continued to be paid to the charity school, or national 
•chool with which it is combined. The remaining £18 Of. 8d. is cou. 
■idered as forming part of the weekly payments to the Almspeople. 

Candiand's Charity. — ^Thomas Candland, by will dated 15tU. 
April, 1017, left Ma. to oe paid annually to the poor of the Almshouse, 
or thi poor of Lodlow, as tne Bailiffs for the time being may sea caoie : 



m HISTORY OF LVDLOW. 

tMs ■rnniy » nfiUariT pshd bj tbt pwfrietor of CaWluid's bo«M in 
siraper's Row, at the head nf Pepper Lane. It is distributed among- 
tl» tbiitf^bree raaidents in Hoayec's Almiboate. 

Areker*s Chariijf — it SOs annually, receiyed on Good Friday from 
the proprietor of Sutton^ Clote, in the parish of St, Lawrence and dio- 
trlbntea in the same manner as the last-mentioned. 

Susan Gaf*» CAarMV,-i^-«ommonIy called Plnmer's Monev, a- 
rnooBts to £6 annually, given |o the inmates of Boiler's aoq tbe 
C^rre Street Almshonses. 

Morgan Liopd's AfdNMyr-— amouwting to IBs. 4d. Is anonaUy re< 
ecived at Diuham House, and divided among tbe inmates of Hosyer's 
feandation. 

Mmrp B€eten$9H*9 Chariif — ^isan annuity of £t I3s. 8d paid to 
tbe poor in shares. 

ilMii Smith's Chariiy — amounts annually to SI IQs. 8d. paid to tb« 
poor in shsrca. 

Susannah Smith's Charitw-^of 106/ is invested in Navy S per 
cents, and the interest given half yearly to tbe Almspeople. 

These small payments amount annually to 12s 6d. for each of the 
Ahttspeople; end added to the weekly pay (rffa. 6d from the Cotpom- 
tlon, makes tbe yearly income of each amount to 71. Ss. 0d. 

Lane's Charitp — ^Thomas Lane by a codicil to his will, IMh of 
June 1670, bequeathed cloies of land, contiguous to Frog Lane, to 
frofliees in trust, the rents to be weekly dispoeed.of to twelve poor wid. 
ows, iu bread or money. The land is estimated in the deed at 3 acres 
and a lialf, but at present measures only 1 acre 8 roods 34 perches, which 
variation cannot be accounted for. It is let in three divisions, to Ms; 
B. Smith one at 141 one to Mr. T. Smith at 6/. and one to Mr. T. 
Cook at 3|. 10s all the term of 31 years, from the 3nd. of February ISll, 
producing together 331 lOn per annum. No appointment of trustees 
has taken place since 174A ; me charity is thererore in the maqigenieiit 
of the Cor]>oration. 

Phillips' Charity Evan Phillips left 3U or 341. to purchase 

property to supply an income for charitable distribution to twelve 
poor decayed old men or women of the town of Ludlow, with this 
money laiid was purchased, formerly called Oreen Linney, now known 
bv tbe name of Poor's Close, rented by Mr. W. Russell at 131. a year, 
which snnpUes the means of the distribution made under tlie name o€ 
•'Phillips^ Charity." 

Alderman Davie** Charity. — Richard Davicsbybis will, August 
96, IflOO, left 1601. to purchase lands, the income of which should be 

given to eight poor widows. What is become of this land is not known ; 
ut the Corpomtion makes an annual payment of 6/. to eight poor 
widows, which is called "Alderman Davies* Charity;** the widows are 
appointed by the Bailifiii, and continue to receive this donation during 
tneir lives. 

Mrs. HandfordTs Charity. — Mrs. Eleanor Handford left 35/, the 
interest to be given to the poor of Castle Street ward. Tbe Bailifb 
distribute this interest money in half*erowns on Good Friday annually. 

Long's Charity-^-\s tbe interest of 301. given annually in sbiUiogs 
to twenty selected poor |iersons of the parish of St Lawrence. 

Mrs. Robinson's CAar^y...^MrK Robinson, tbe Bishop of Lon. 
don*8 Lady, as she is called In the charity book, bequeathed 1661. to the 



CHARITIES. 163 

poor of Ludlow, the interest to be applied m follows; vis. Ms. to the 
cbaiitv school, sod 50s to twentv jkkw housekeepers, to be MMUed on 
St. John the Evsiisvlfit*sdsy. Or this money no other accoantisfomnd 
tbsn tbis->-4hat the lOOi. was applied towards discharsing a debt be« 
loncing to the Corporation, and a bond fiven for %U ti. lOs. the hall 
of the interest b yearly distributed in half crowns to twenty poor persons. 
The other half is supposed to have been given to the chanty sphooL 

Meyrieke's and Sir THmothy Toumeur't chmriiies — ^Thomas 
Meyricke, Alderman of Ludlow, by his will. 18th April, 1714, beoneath- 
ed to the Bailiib, Bnrgesses, and CommoinJty 40A in trast, to be lent 
from time to time to four poor trsdesmen, not being ale-sellers, for 
three years, without interest, in sons of 10/. each, the CmptHmtiok 
takingproper security. 

Sir limothy Tonmenr, Knight, his Majesty's Serseant at Law, by a 
tcttamentary paper reciting that, by God's Providence, Ludlow had 
lieen to him a special place of his practice and thriving iu the wwld, h« 
did upon that eoosideration beoneath 1001 to be lent to fonr young 
tmdcMBen, from three yean to tnree years, in equal shares on sumcient 
security. 

These ben«foetions are now united, and lent to poor tiadesnien in 
sfaafesofSMcach. 

Thomss Meyricke also bequeathed tn the Baillfh, Bnrgesses, and 
Commonalty 401 to be by them secured, to pay the charity schools in 
Ludlow 40s. s vear. These bequestsof Meyricke aud Toumenr, the ev1« 
dence of wbicn is contained in copies *r{ the extracts entered in the qld- 
charity books, complete the list of existing charities luider the manage* 
ment of the Corporation. 

GwUUems' charity — ^Richard Gwilliams.by his will Ist October, 
1039, gave to the IHurson of Lndlow, the Vicar of Leominster, and the 
Ticar oif King's Oipel, each 31. a year to be issuing oat of his mes« 
Mogea, lands, lie in Herefordshire, to the intent that they shonld dis« 
tiibute SOs. thereof yearly to poor impotent persons in each of those 
piaoes. The monev ff^ each of the above mentioned places is regularly 
received and distributed, but it does not appear that a proper investment 
WM made according to the directions in th^ will of the founder* 

Dr. Sounibank't cAarJ^y.— Charles Sunnibank, DD. by deed da* 
ted October 1035, bequeathed a reserve rent, out of land at Hopesay, of 
13/. Os. Od to be paid quarterly at the Fsrsonage house to ten poor wid. 
ows of Lndlow, tne Parson to retain 6s. 8d. for his eare in receiving it. 
This money is received and distributed as directed ; by the Rector, or 
the Clerk as his agent. 

Some's teiMr/lsc/iMt.— Jn 1040, Robert Home rave by will to the 
Rector of the parish Church of St. Lawrence for the time being, for 
ever, a rent charge of lOi. per annum. This snm is received and paid 
as appointed. The Deeds are not in the hands of the Rectur. 

Mrs JIiggin»OM*s charity. — Mrs Jane Higvinsoa of Doddington. 
in the |>arish of Whitchurch, by her will, dated March 15th 1708. gave 
51. per annum to five decayed tradesmen's widows, for keeping clean the 
chancel of the Church ; and she also gave to the Rector of Ludlow 5i. 
A year. These donations are regnlariy paid. 

Morgan's charity — ^It is recorded on a tablet in the Church of 
St Lawrence, bearing date lOth, July, 1706, thai the Rev. Richard 
Mornm Rector of Clnngunford, left to the Rector, Lecturer, and Read* 
er of this parish for the time being, the sum of 140/. in trust, tu psy for 
the schooling of poor children. 



164 HISTO.RT OF LVDLOW. 

TIm prcaa&t fond derived from this lM<|tteit it ItU S par oent coBaok^ 
Bow it oune to be reduced to that rani la not dlecoverable. Tbc diri- 
drode ere bow peid et a contribution to tiie netional school. 

ffotttnggivorth's ekaritpt at^d NasVs cJkori^.— Thonas Hoi. 
Uogiwortli left bv wiU,SStd. Pebmery 1809, Mi. 4 per cent beak emra. 
itia, the diTidendt to be laid out in bread, anddistnbated at Chrbtmas 
to poor widowB. 

Kletiard Naah, by will dated May 13th. 1814, save lOOi. the intcveat 
to be fiven among the poor on Cbrittmas day. With thit Irgacy 1001. 
navy 5 per cent stock was pnnbased. The dividends arising fnmi thtae 
legacies, amoantiog to 71. an given away in twopenny aM aixpmny 
lomres amoitg the poor at Qiristmas, at the Guildhall. 

LOST CHARITIES. 

laeoffge Foxc of Stoke, by will, dated 1st October, 1580, gave 301. 
fcr charitable porposes. 

Margarite BMlie. by will dated 22nd. March, 1311, gave 301. 

Robert Lewis, alias Drapper, by will dated ISth. May, 1571. gave Ml. 

William Lamb, by deed dated I3ih of May, 1570, gave lOOi. 

Ricbaid Kogcn, by wiU dated S6lh Maich, 1571, gave Mil. and the 
interest arising fhrni his leasehold property in Portman meadow, and a 
eloae of pasture in Goalfurd. 

Thomss Pingle, by will dated 22nd. of April, 1040, gave 901. the in- 
terest to be divided, one half to the Almshouse, the ouier to the poor 
elLndlow. 

Mr Hugh Attwell gave S3s. 4d. **lo keiep the poor at work; the 
stock for ever to remain ; the gain the poor's " 

BLUB COAT CHARITY 8(fHOOL« 

There was an ancient charity school in Ludlow, 
called the blue coat school, which has formed 
the basis of a national school. It has been sta- 
ted that 20/. a year should be secured to the 
trustees of Ihis charity school, out of the tolls 
of the market, as forming part of Mr. Tomlyne's 
charity. The annual sum of 20/. was paid to 
the charity school till the 18th. of October, 
1761, from which time various arrears of the 
Annuity accrued, amounting in 1806 to the sum 
of £468. This balance was expended in the 
purchase of a school house, in 1816. The pur- 
chase money of this house, with the charges of 
repairing and fitting it up, amounted to £600. 



palmer's guild. 165 

13*. exceeding the amount of the arrears by 
142^ 19«. which was paid out of the Corpora** 
tion funds. From the year 1806^ the annuity 
of 20/. was paid to the charity school, till its 
combination with the national school; ^ince 
which time it has been paid to the treasurer of 
the national school, to which establishment all the 
funds of the old school have been transferred. 
The interest of the bonds, amounting to 9/. 10s. 
per annum, has not been paid, but is retained 
by the Corporation in liquidation of the debt in- 
curred on the school house. The interest thus 
retained amounted in October 1819 to 114/. 
which reduced the debt to 21/. Ids. This 
house is now used for the female department of 
the national school, the boy's school being kept 
over the market cross. 

Of the origin of the old school no vestige can 
be discovered ; the children of that institution 
were clothed ; and accordingly clothing to the 
amount of 27/. a year is given to the children in 
the national school, chosen by the subscribers 
in rotation. These children are also put out 
apprentice, with a premium of 3/. 

THE PALMER'S GUILD. 

From the preceding recital it will appear that 
Ludlow is distinguished above most other places 

of equal extent, by the number of its charitable 
establishments and donations for the relief of the 



196 HISTORT OP LUDLOW. 

poor ; and an the most important of these have 
been derived from the Palmer*s Guilds it is to be 
regretted that so little is known respecting that 
ancient fraternity. The terms Palmer and Pilgrim 
are by some accounted synonymous ; it is evident 
however that in old authors the latter is of gen- 
eraly and the former of particular application ; 
so Chaucer, speaking generally of those who 
travel to visit the shrines of Saints, — 

^^At night was come iBto tliat hostelrie 
Wei nine and twenty in a compagnie 
Of sondry'folk, by aventure yfaUe 
In febwship, and Pilgrimes were they alle 
That toward Canterbury wolden ride.'' 

Those who travel into far distant countries seem 
to be denominated by the same author ' 'Pal- 
meres/' — 

'Than longen folk to gon on pilgrimages^ 
And Palmeres for to seken strange strondes, 
To serve halwes conthe in sondry londes/' 

Modem writers have embellished their works by 
istriking delineations of the Palmer Pilgrim ; — 

''Here is a holy Palmer come. 

From Salem first, and last from Rome : 

One that hath kissed the blessed tomb. 

And visited each holy shrine 

In Araby or Palestine : 

On hills of Armenie hath been 

Where Noah's Ark may yet be seen ; 

By that Red Sea too hath he trod, 

Which parted at the prophet's rod ; 

In Sinai's wilderness he saw 

The mount where Israel heard the Law, 

Mid thunder dint, and flashing levin, 

And shadows, mists, and darkness given. 

To stout Saint George of Norwich merry, 



palmer's guild. 107 

Saint Thomas too of Canterbury, 
Cuthbert of Durham, and Saint Bede, 
For his sins' pardon hath he prayed." 

Peculiar insignia and the habit of this species 

of Pilgrinn are also described ; — 

"The summoned Pahner came in place, 
His sable cowl o'erhung his face ; 
In his black mantle was he clad, 
M'ith Peter's keys in cloth of red 
On his broad shoulders wrousht ; 
The scallop shell his cap did deck ; 
The cnicinx around his neck 
Was from Loretto brought ; 
His sandals were with travel tore, 
Stalf, budget, bottle, scrip he wore ; 
The faded Palm-branch in his hand 
Shew'd Pilgrim from the Holy Land." 

Whoever examines the figures ia the window of 
St. John's Chapel, will ioimediately identify them 
with this description. 

The word Guild was formerly used in the same 
sense as we now apply the terms club, associa- 
tion, company, &c. with the included idea of in- 
corporation; so that a society of this kind was 
for the benefit of the whole, with a common seal, 
and power . to buy and sell und to accumulate 
property. Etymologists derive the word from 
the Saxon verb GuiUun, to pay ; each individual 
contributing or paying his proportionate sb^re 
for the support of the institution. The term is 
yet in use in the royal Burghs of Scotland to de- 
note a company of Merchants. 

If it be true that the . Palmers, reputed to 
have brought the ring from Jerusalem, were men 



IBS HISTORY OP LUDLOW. 

of Ludlow, it thence follows that there existed 
here a town a considerable time before the Con- 
quest; that the ancient fraternity of this ^'goodly 
Guild," whose riches 'Hhe township did uphold/' 
originally established themselves in a remote pe- 
riod of antiquity ; and having survived the gene- 
ral destruction of the old religious institutions of 
the country, yielded at length to their fate : the 
society quietly submitting to its own dissolution 
in the reign of Edward VI. leaving in the noble 
building of Ludlow Church a durable and splen- 
did monument of its munificence ; and whose 
members bequeathing the whole of their exten- 
sive Guild possessions to their native place, en- 
titled themselves to the grateful remembrance of 
posterity in all succeeding ages. 

ST. MARY WHITE FRIARS. 

Following the town wall, which supports the 
north side of the Churchyard, we enter Corve 
Street where Corve Gate used to stand. Linney 
lane, passing from the gatestead of that name, 
joins this street near the bottom, with which, 
and a portion of the wall, it circumscribes a 
considerable piece of meadow and garden 
ground, supposed to have been formerly occu» 
pied by the house and contiguous possessions of 
St. Mary White Friars. 

From what is recorded respecting this Friary, 
or Priory, we are led to form a high opinion of 



foxb's almshouse. 1G9 

its riches and importance ; it was however so 
completely demolished by King Harry^s reform<- 
ers, that in succeeding times its name only has 
been remembered. 

Leland informs us that this ''College^ or Fryery, 
was a fayre and costlie thinge, and stoode with*- 
out Corve Gate bv north, almost at the end of 
that suburb;'' and thaf one Ludlowe, a Knight, 
Lord of Stoke Castle, or Pyle, towards Bishop's 
Castle, was original founder of it.*' He adds, 
"Vernon, an heir, is now owner of Stoke, and 
of late was taken founder of this House." That 
is to say, Vernon as heir of the house which he 
represented, was, in right of that heirship, the 
founder, or more properly the patron, of this 
establishment at the time of its dissolution. 

According to Speed, *Hhis House was founded 
in the year 1349, the 24th of Edward HI. by 
Sir Laurence de Ludlowe, Knight." Stukely, 
who wrote about the year 1720, says ''there was 
a rich Priory out of the town on the north side, 
small ruins now to be seen, excepting a little 
adjoining church, once belonging to it ; about 
the same place an arched gateway went across 
the street, but now demolished." 

The ''church" above-mentioned was the cha- 
pel of St. Leonard, purchased by W. Foxe, Esq. 
of Bromiield, for the use of the Almshouse es- 
tablished here in the year 1690. 

The Almshouse has however survived its cha- 



170 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

pel, and accordini^ to the will of iU founder, is 
coiitributary to the mainteDance of four poor 
and impotent persons ; two from the parish of 
Brom field, and two from Ludlow. According 
to the provisions of Mr. Foxe*s will, the Chapei 
was to have service performed in it on Sundays, 
Wednesdays, and Fridays every week, and on 
certain other days occasionally. The lands and 
tenements from which the funds of this charity 
arose were situated in Worcester, Ludlow, Lud* 
ford, and Ashford Bowdler. 

In 1771 the trust of Foxe*s charity was as- 
signed over to the Corporation of Ludlow ; ia 
1773 the chapel of St. Leonard was unroofed ; 
in 1787 the walls were pulled down; and in 
1789 the Corporation let out the ground ob 
which the chapel stood, with the chapel yard, 
to one of their own body on a lease of 09 years* 
The Almshouse is kept in good repair by the 
Corporation, who pay to each inmate Is. 6d. 
weekly. Besides which payments, the alms- 
people receive each ds* 2d. a year from Mrs. 
Susan Gay's charity. The present income of 
the charity consists of,— - 

The rent of the chapel ground - - 
Rent! of houses in Worcester - - 
Money paid b^ Mr. Meyricka oat of four 

houses in Dmham - - - ~ - - - 
Money paid by the Hen. R. H. CUve out 

of lands called the Chapel Leasowes - 



£ 


■. 


d. 


1 


15 





11 





6 


r 


IS 


4 




16 





14 18 


10 



IND1P1NDENT8' CHAPSI*. 171 

The sums paid attoually by the Corporatioii.-*> 

Four Almapeople at U. 6d. per week • 15 19 
To the Town Renter 17 



16 19 

Exceeding the income by £2 5s« 2d« 

Near the bottom of Corve street is a Chapel 
belonging to Protestant Dissenters of the kind 
denominated Independents. The original insti- 
tution of this society seems to have been be«> 
tween the years 1731 and 1738 ; and judging 
from the circumstances of the case^ it may reason- 
ably be inferred that its advancement from a pri- 
vate meeting of about twenty persons to a num- 
ber capable of supporting an officiating minister, 
was in no small degree owing to the injustice of 
persecution^ which not only enlivens zeal, but 
in a thousand instances creates it ; kindling a 
fire which burns in the breasts of the sufferers 
and their posterity for many generations. 

On Sunday March 21, in the year L731» some- 
what more than twenty persons met together in 
the house of Mrs. Jones, in High Street Ludlow, 
for the purpose of religious worship ; which had 
scarcely commenced when a mob collected, who 
furiousW attacked the house and threw stones 
through the windows, to the great terror and 
danger of the persons within : on which Mrs. 
Jones, Peter Griffin, and James Wynde went to 
the High Bailiff, Mr. Henry Davies, to request 



Vn HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

his afliiitance« But he» instead of helping^** 
charged them with the riot, threatening to pros- 
ecute them to the utmost rigour of the law, not- 
withstanding Mrs. Jones and her friends produ- 
ced a licence for religious worship in her house, 
signed by fourteen Justices of the Peace. The 
mob hearing how matters stood, returned to the 
charge, and broke every window in the house. 
Mrs. Jones and her friends were now ordered be* 
fore the Bailiffs, and a Justice of the Peace, who 
informed them that they stood fined in £20 and 
bound to appear at the next Quarter Sessions. 
In the mean time, after urgent and repeated so- 
licitations, the riot Act was read, and towards 
evening the mob dispersed. A narrative of this 
case having been presented to the London Com- 
mittee of Dissenting Ministers, the celebrated 
Dr. Samuel Chandler, who was one of that body 
at the time, advocated the cause of the sufferers, 
and by a legal process compelled the Ludlow 
Magistrates to make ample compensation. In 
the preface to a narrative of this transaction, pub- 
lished by Mrs. Mary Marlowe, it is stated that 
''it is well known to several yet living (in 1772) 
that the gentlemen, who by their offices and sta- 
tions should have suppressed the mob, were sub- 
pcened to London, and there fined, reprimanded, 
and brought to beg pardon on their knees. Yet 
the good people generously forgave the fine, and 
required no more than to have the damages re- 



. GOALFORD . TOWCR. 173 

paired and charges defrayed, as they only desi- 
red peace and quietness.** 

CORVE BRIDGE. 

CoTve River, which gives denomination to 
this Street, passes under a handsome stone bridge 
at the bottom of it. This bridge was built by 
the Corporation in 1787, the foundation laid 
with stones from the chapel of St. Leonard. 

A little above Corve Gate is an antique build- 
ing known by the name of the Feathers Inn» 
which has formerly been an elegant mansion. 
In the mantle piece of one of the front rooms 
well preserved specimens of carved work remain, 
from which the traditionary account of its hav- 
ing belonged to one of the Justices of the Court 
of the Marches is sufficiently confirmed ; and 
the initials I. R. over the royal arms, point out 
the time of James I. 

At the top of Corve Street there is an area 
or square of considerable dimensiontr. This 
was formerly an open place, but is now encum- 
bered with buildings. From its having been 
the theatre of the barbarous amusement of bull- 
baiting, it is yet known by the name of the 
Bull-ring. From this place three other streets 
branch out in different directions. 

Eastward from the Bull-ring is Goalford Tower, 
the common prison of the town, which has of 
late been much improved. On the front is the 
following inscription, — 



174 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

TbU baDding was erected at the charge of the Cor- 
poration, MDCCLIV, In the fourth year of Ring 
George the Third ; for the Common Prison of the 
town: in the place of Ooalford's Tower ; an ancient 
Priaon and Gate, by length of time become minooA. 

From the road which strikes off in an eastern 
direction from Goalford Gate, at the place where 
the range of buildings called Lower Goalford ter- 
minate, there passes a narrow lane called Friar's 
Lane, which joins the bottom of Old Street, at 
the place where Old Gate formerly stood, and 
where there is yet to be seen. some remains of 
the Gateway. This street comes in a direct 
line southward from the Bull-ring ; and there are 
thred houses on the eastern side of the lane be- 
low it paying a chief rent to the manor of Hoi- 
gate, hence it has received the name of Holgate 
Fee. Behind Old Street there is a suite of gar- 
dens, occupying a triangular piece of ground, 
bbnnded on one side by Lower Goalford, and on 
the other by Friar's Lane. On this in closure 
was situated the religious establishment for Au- 
gustine Friars, or Friars Eremites. The founder 
of this Friary is not known. Edmund de Ponti- 
bus, that is Bridgeman, was a benefactor. The 
first religious house of this order established in 
England was Woda House, near Cleobury. 

Passing along the road which leaves the town 
at the bottom of Holgaie Fee, we come to a 
small tump of earth and stones which marks the 
boundary of the parish. The name of the 



THE WO«KH017SB* ITS 

'* Weeping Crois,*' yet retaiaed by ibis land mark, 
serves to preserve Ibe traditionary record of a 
Cross, and indicates the probability tbat not far 
distant from it, there may in ancient times have 
been a monkish cell or anchoritage. It is gene- 
rally believed that the AehtPffnfan, or stpne of 
lamentation, was peculiar to the ancient Britons, 
and erected by them sometime previous to the 
mission of St. Augustine. Erections of this de- 
nomination consisted of one solid stone upwards 
of twelve feet high, with a rounded head, on 
which was the figure of a cross ornamented with 
singular sculptures. Beside these sacred pillars 
the weeping penitent was conducted to confess 
bis sins to the officiating priest. 

Adjoining to Old Gate is the Workhouse, 
with a small prison or cell attached to it, called 
the House of Correction, for securing vagrants 
and other petty delinquents. The original instil 
tution of this parochial establishment was by an 
individual of the name of Thomaa Lane, of Lud" 
low, who had in early life been a domestic ser- 
vant in the Charlton family, and who by will, 
dated 20th. Nov. 1674, bequeathed the greater 
part of his estate to Sir Job Charlton, and two 
others, to be by them disposed of as he should 
appoint, or, in default of such appointment, to 
such charitable use as they judged best. 

From the will of Sir Job Charlton, the last 
survivor of these trustees, dated Dec. 6th. 16QI, 



176 HISTORY OP LUDLOW. 

it appears that the money derived from this be- 
quest had been employed in repairing and fur- 
aishing an old hoase» which had been granted 
to the trustees by the town of Ludlow, and in 
purchasing certain lands in Middleton, called 
the Measles, of the annual value of about £30 ; 
and by his said will. Sir Job desires his son 
Francis to take care that the charitable fund of 
his grateful servant Thomas Lane be employed 
to maintain a Workhouse and House of Correc- 
tion, for the benefit of the poor of Ludlow and 
the neighbouring villages (which it appears he 
had already established in the old house above- 
mentioned) ; and he directs that the rents and 
profits of the lands at Middleton, and whatever 
else should arise from the property bequeathed, 
should go for the maintenance of the master of 
the said Workhouse, and for keeping it in repair ; 
and that his right heirs, or in default thereof, 
the Rector of Ludlow, the Curate of Ludford, 
and the chief Magistrate of Ludlow, should nom- 
inate one of the inhabitants of Ludlow to be 
master of the said Workhouse. Under the resi- 
duary clause of Thomas Lane's will, a reversion 
passed to the use of this charity of certain pre- 
mises granted to his widow during her life. 
These consisted of a house in Broad Street now 
let to Mr. W. Smith for £20 a year ; and also a 
garden near Brand Lane, a meadow between 
Mill Street mills and Ludford Bridge, and a 



TUK WORKHOUSE. ITt 

■Madow in the township of Haltoo ; these last^ 
meotiooed premises together with the lands in 
Middleton were exchanged with Sir Charles WiU 
liam Rouse Boughton, Bart, for some meadow and 
paatare lands called East Fields and Partners^ 
in the Parish of Stanton Lacy, let for £56 a year 
in 1790 : these lands are now let from year to 
year to Benjamin Flounders, Esq. at a rent of 
£iOO. There was in 1820, in the hands of E. 
L. Charlton, Esq. of Ludford, the sum of £216 
89. 3d. belonging to this charity, being the a- 
mount of a balance due in 1816, arising from the 
savings of income. This sum is destined by Mn 
Charlton to the erection of a new House of Cor«- 
reclion, the preseat one, a single small apart^ 
ment at the back of the Workhouse, being totally 
unfit for the purpose : it has also been proposed 
to build a House of Correction in the Jail Yard, 
at the joint charges of the Corporation and this 
eharity. 

The income of the charity, amounting now to 
£120 a year, was in 1818 applied as follows,— 

£ 9. d. 

Governor's Salary 20 

Repairs 24 8 6 

Raw materials and charges fur Weaving 8c Dying 45 5 6 

Taxes « 7 16' 



97 10 2 

leaving a surplus of income (which in 1818 was 
£114, the rent of the house in Broad Street being 
only £14) of £16 9s. lOd, and in 1816 there re^ 



ITS HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

mained in the hands of the Receiver a surplus 
of £14 9s. exclusive of the sum of <£216 18s. dd. 
paid in that year to Mr. Charlton. 

The Governor is appointed by Mr. Charlton, 
and receives from the parish an additional sala- 
ry of £20 per annum. 

The expense of maintaining the poor in the 
house is defrayed by the parish, and the conduct 
of the establishment is entirely under the man- 
agement of the Overseers. 

The raw materials furnished to be worked up 
are flax and hemp, and wool for spinning and 
knitting stockings, and leather.for making shoes. 
The materials for the Weaver, are made into 
cloth for the use of the house. 

The clothes thus made are never sold, but 
are entirely consumed in the house, except in 
some few instances where poor persons, whom 
it has been necessary to clothe, have left the 
house in search of work, taking their clothes 
with them ; and in some yet fewer instances, 
where poor persons, whom it has been necessa- 
ry to clothe, have had clothes out of the house. 
This when done is by order of the Overseers. 

From the Workhouse the narrow lane, called 
Frog Lane, conducts us to the bottom of Broad 
Street. The foundation of the town wall may 
be traced here, and the fosse has been convert- 
ed into garden ground. 

The arched passage of Broad Gate remains 



ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE. 179 

^entire ; from which lower Broad Street conducts 
us to Ludford Bridge, near which to the left is 
a field called St. John's Close, indicating the 
place where St. John's College formerly stood. 
In the catalogue of suppressed religious hou- 
ses, neither the time of the foundation of this 
College, nor the founder's name are to be found; 
but it is stated in the Monasticon, that ''St. 
John Baptist's Hospital founded by Peter Un- 
dergot, near the river of Temede water, for a 
master and religious brothers, was endowed by 
him with several lands, and the brothers after 
his death authorised to chuse their own masters 
for ever, without any obstruction ; and the said 
masters and brothers to admit such as they 
should think fit. into their brotherhood, and to 
receive the poor and infirm, and to do all such 
other things as should become religious men.^' 

Perfectly consistent with this account is that 
of Letand, if we consider Jordan de Ludford to 
have been the descendant or heir of Undergot, 
be says ''there was formerly on the north side 
of the bridge a Church of St. John, stamling 
without Broad Gate, which had a College, with 
a Dean and Fellows, of the foundation of Jordan 
de Ludford." The historical accounts of Wal- 
ter Lacy and Gilbert his son as benefactors, and 
of Peter Undergot as patron or founder of this 
college, mark out distinct periods of antiquity, 
approaching to, and almost coeval with the con- 



IBO HISTORY Ot LVSLOV, 

i]ucit; and aa long aa the name afaall rmiBia 
wbick this relif^ioue foMdktioii bas given to the 
incloiuTe on wbicfa it stood, the traditionary re- 
i-ord of its tbnner esiatence will not be (bi^ottea. . 

The well built atone Bridge is aoppoaed to 
have been erected by the Corporation, but at 
what tine is not known : tbe river here parta the 
two counties of Salop and Hereford. 

Near the tup of lower Broad Street is a Chai- 
pel, or Meeting House, belonging to the Wes- 
leyan Methodists, built in the year 1800, and 
Service first pc'rfbrnicd there the tSth. day of 
At^ust in the same year. 



The stranger who enters Ludlow through J 

Broad Gate wilt see the town in an advantageoua 1 



ST. WINSt^RED. 181 

l^aiikt of view; tlie Gateway itself is aji inteMst- 
iog object, . and upper Broad Street is spacious 
aod well built. 

From Broad Gate, Baraaby Lane passes into 
the bottom of Mill Street; it receives this name 
from an ancient religious foundation called Bar- 
naby House, famous in the age of pilgrimages as 
the temporary resting place of the numei*ous de- 
votees passing through Ludlow on their way to 
^e holy weU of St. Winefred, in North Wales.* 



*Tbe age of pilgiiinaget was that in whkb the Rotmith fvpentitioB 
ba4 attained its greatest power over the understandings and consciences 
•f men; at which time nothing was held ia higher estimation than 
Saints and Miracles- The virgin daughter or the noble Thewith lived 
in a remote period of antiquitv ^ her great beantv excited deaiies an th« 
breast of Prince Cradocus, which he attempted to gratify by the vio> 
latioo of her person ; and he cut off her head with hisswoid, because be 
was not allowed to accompli^h his wicked purpose But the most fk- 
moos St. Beuno, Andiog the unfortunate virgin in this pivdicament, 
snatched up tlie head and joined it to the body, with which to the ad' 
miratiou of all preaent it perf«cti> noited, Isaviog a White ring on the 
neck at the place of junction. Winefred survived thisoccurrencemany 
vear^t and at Gwy therm, in Wales, four stones yet mark tbe jftace of 
ber g^ve Where her head tell a spring of pure water suddenly arose, 
«nd a well was formed which has heeafuned, evt Ain our times, for the 
cure of diseases. On the bottom of this well the red lichen Rives the 
appearance of ipoti of blood ; and its sides ace covered with sweet 
scented moss. Ages after the death of this Saint, the pious people of 
fibrewsbury conspired to steal away herbotios, and there is an ancient 
manuscript still preserved iu that town witnessing their miraculous ef. 
fieacy, frotti whidi the following is extracted *'ln the towife of 

Sbrowsbury setaii thre men togedur; cuid as they set on talkynge an 
AAturcoppe (a spider J cnm owte of the wons {wall* J and bote hem 
by the nekkns alle thre, and tbewz hit grevyd hem at that tyme but 
lyttulle, sone aftor hit mncoied and so swalle her ^^efr^throtus atid 
forcet her brey the, that two of hem wexen deed. And the tlu'vdde was 
to njrx deed, that he made bis testament and made hym redy in alle 
wyse, for he hoped nowzte b^t only deathe. Then as he lay in his tnr^ 
inent. be tbowtt en Sent Vl^encfreae and of her myrsailiis. And m> as 
be myste, he bad his naoderzo thyder»aod offer acaiidulle to the sbryne, 
*nd brytge ttym of ttie water (hat ber boues were wasshon yn, and so 
sche dyd. And when he bad this water he made wasscbe his tore tber 
wfth ; and #hen ne bhddouesb, he fblde that he amend^: and then he 
made a. wove to Sente Weuefrede, that giff he my^te have lyffe and 
hela. be wolde make sn'y mage of sy Ivor andoffur to her/' 1 heVemain- 
i|ef «Qfs be did so, **aiid be cum her servant ever wbilehe lyffyd af^er." 



18S HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

Neftr Barnaby House there formerly stood a 
Chapel dedicated to St. Mary of the Vale, on the 
site of which a Silk Factory was some time ago 
erected, which is now converted into a Wool 
Warehouse. This vicinity has received the name 
of Merry Vale, derived from the familiar epithet 
of Mary Vale, applied to the Chapel. 

Mill Gate was at the end of Bamaby Lane, 
and Mill Street, like Broad Street, rises in a north* 
em direction up a considerably elevated ascent, 
many of the buildings on each side of which are 
cruited to the liberal dimensions and elegant ap- 
pearance of this street. A little above Mill 
Gate to the right is the Free Grammar School, 
the original foundation of which is not known. 

The school premises comprise two houses in 
which the two masters reside, and the school 
room and bed rooms over it. Some years ago the 
enlargement and repairs of the premises cost 
nearly £700, and the head master's house b now 
sufficiently large to -accommodate thirty board- 
ers. The masters live free of rent and parochial 
rates, but pay the King's taxes. They are al- 
lowed to take boarders without restriction. 

All children who apply, and are able to read de- 
cently, residing in the town, are immediately ad- 
mitted. The scholars are taught Latin and Greek 
and read English, gratis. The terms for writing 
and arithmetic are three guineas per annum. 

Four boys of this school reoeive a benefaction 



I 



OCILDHALU 183 

of £5 each, by the year, under the will of Dr. 
Laogford ; these four boys to be nominated by 
the Bailiffs, *'out of such poor and towardliefor 
learning as are bom in the town of Ludlow;*' to 
be nine years of age and to continue until six* 
teen, and.no longer. These boys wear black 
gowns on Sundays, when they go to church, and 
are called Langfordian boys. 

This school is also entitled to two exhibitions 
to Baliol College, Oxford, worth £35 a year, 
upon the endowment of the Rev. Richard 
Greaves in the year 1704, the trusts of which 
are vested in the College. 

The annual expenditure of this school is as 

follows; — 

£ n d. 

S^hry of the Heid Misf er 
ZXtto of the Under Muter 

Averai^ of Repairs 

Poor And Fviih Rates .... 



100 








00 


0' 


• 


13 








10 





Or 


183^ 


0. 


a 



Opposite the school is an old building, for- 
merly a distillery, now converted into a 

THEATRE, 

which is occasionally occupied by the Chelten- 
ham Company of Actors, especially during the 
Races. Toward the top of this street is the 

GUILDHALL, 

an elegant modem building erected at the ex-> 
pense of the Corporation, in the year 1768, on 
the site of the old building of that name, origi- 
nally belonging to the Palmer's Guild. 



IM HISTORY OF LU0LOW. 

The ttibttrbs below Mill Gate receive tlie 
■anae of lower Mill Street, from which place 
distinct traces of the town wall are to be seen 
almost to the Castle Bridge; this b a plain sub* 
staatial building of three arches, the first stone 
of which was laid by the Hon. R. H, Clive, on 
the I2th. September 1823. The road from this 
bridge leads to Dinham Gate : in 1786 this Gate-> 
way remained entire, and many persons now liv- 
ing remember the chapel approached by a flight 
6f steps to the right on entering the town here* 
We might have been induced to believe this the 
chapel built by Roger Mortimer in the year 1383^ 
had it liotbeea distinctly recorded to have stood 
within the outer court of the Castle, and to have 
been contiguous to the court-house* 

The lane leading from Dinham Gate to the bot- 
tom of Mill Street is called Camp LAne, from the 
grounds below it having been used by the sol- 
diery. Immediately under the south wall of the 
Castle i^ a handsome brick buUt mansion, the 
occasional residence of the Clive family. This 
building receives the name of 

DINHAM HOUSE, 

and the neighbourhood that of Dinham from the 
original British name of Dinan^ indicating the ex- 
istence of a palace or princely residenee, which 
doubtless stood here in the British sera of Ludlow. 
Toward the close of the French revolutionary 
war, Lucien Buonaparte being detained a priso- 



TR« MARKET lOIIliS, 18$ 

vtt in Eafland, w»i coadncled to Ladlaw, and 
Dinbam Honee atteetcd fur hia reaidence. This 
circumttanoe, though in itwlf of trifling impor* 
taace, yet as r«latiag to a naa whose nane is 
connected with the hiatonr of the moitt ejilraor- 
dioaiy occumnces of the age, ought not to b« 
paawd over in ailttDca. We refer to biator; for 
a detail of transactions leadiag to his aeiaure and 
detention, bat it ma; not be improper here to re- 
mark that Ludlow, which has in farmer times 
been honoured aa the resort of crowned heads, 
was in this instanoethenbodoof amau wbobad 
at least the merit of baring refuted a crown, 
which was to be purchased by uanrpatioD and 
held by tyranny. Lucien Buonaparte and faui- 
ly left Lttdtow <hi Sunday June 80, 1811. 



Out of Dinham we pass into Castle Street', in 



186 BISTORT OF LUDLOW. 

which is a plain brick building called the Market 
House, containing large and convenient rooms 
used for meetings of the Corporation, Bailiff's 
Balls, Subscription Assemblies, &c» Beneath is 
an open space for the com market* Attached 
to this building are two reservoirs, to one of 
which water is raised from the river by machin* 
ery at the bottom of lower Mill Street ; the other 
receives spring water from a place called the 
Fountain, under Whitcliff Coppice. 

Near the top of this street is a house formerly 
castellated; tradition says it belonged to the 
Castle, and was connected with it by a covered 
way, the entrance to which is supposed to have 
been an arched vault yet remaining. 

Raven Lane passes from beside the Market 
House into the cross lane called Bell Lane, which 
connects Mill Street and Broad Street; in aline 
with which is Brand Lane, passing from Broad 
Street into Old Street. Near the end of this lane 
is the house appropriated to the use of the girls 
belonging to the National School, which was 
opened on the 11th. of February, 1814. The 
school rpom is lofty and spacious, measuring in 
length upwards of 28 feet, and 16 in breadth ; 
the number of scholars is about 80. The 
school room for the boys belonging to thb in- 
stitution is over the Market Cross, at the top of 
Broad Street, and is that formerly occupied by 
the Bine Coat School ; it measures in length 52 



NATIONAL SCHOOL. I8T 

feet 5 inches, in breadth 28 feet 8 inches, and in 
height 11 feet. The number of scholars taught 
is about 200. The National School was estab- 
lished on the 3rd. of February, 1813. It is sup- 
ported by Voluntary subscriptions^^ by annual 
collections made in the church, and by various 
l^acies, together with the income arising from 
the funds of the Blue Coat School. 

The annual income of this establishment will 
vary according to circumstances, but perhaps 
the difference will not be very material; the 
following is an abstract of the account for the 
year 1825. 

£ • d. 

RMeipts 107 10 1 

Fkymeutt • • • • • '^ 187 1 t 

leaving a balance in favour of the charity of 
£30 3s. Id. 



\ 



188 »ISTOBT OF LVDLOW. 



The Market Crof<s is a modem erection, chief- 
ly qcanpied by market womeo who expose for 
sale butter and other productiona of the farm ; it 
is built of sand stone of an excellent quality, from 
the Clee Hill. In the cupola of this elegant 
building is a bell, formerly belonging to tbe 
Chapel of St. Leonard, on which is the following 
inscription, — "All Prayse and Glory to God for 
evermore. 1604." 

Eastward from tbe top of Broad Street is King 
Street, leading to the Bull-ring ; and the oppo- 
site street, which conducts us to the Market 
House, is called High Street. 
Hereour circuit of the town ends; in tbe course 



of which every thing remarkable has been noti'* 
oed that oan be supposed to interest the passing 
traveller, or the more attentive observer of the 
relics of former ages. Except the Castle and 
the Friary of St. Mary, the more ancient buiid*- 
ings cannot be distinctly traced back to their 
•origin; though it is* sufficiently evident that some 
of them were of great antiquity. It is well known 
that the oldest remains of christian instilntions 
in this country are found in Wales, and in other 
parts inhabited by the Britons previous to the 
predominancy of the Saxon power; which proves 
that Christianity was mtrodnced into this island 
long before the arrival of the first catholic mis- 
sionary. "The Britoos," says an old writer, "who 
were the aborigines of this island, were by a 
special instinct much devoted to the contempla- 
tion of heavenly thhigs ; for the ancient Druids, 
who were the first divines or professors of reli- 
gion, (who in lieu of monasteries and colleges, 
were used to retire into woods and solitary places 
to study the works of God and nature) were re-, 
nowned far and near; and as Caesar and Tacitus 
write, the Gauls were used to come over to be 
instructed by them. Cassibelan, whom Caesar 
and Tacitus speak of as King of Britain on its 
first discovery, was also the first christian Kinjg', 
for in his time it pleased the Father of Lights to 
display the early beams of Christianity in this 
island ; as Gregory the 15th. writes, ^no sooner 



190 HISTORY OF LUDLOW, 

did the Roman Eagle flj o^er hither, but the stan- 
dard of the Cross was inarborated and set up." 

It was the uniform practice of the Saxon inva- 
ders to substitute for the old names of places 
new ones of their own; but in all instances 
where both are found, we may be fully certain 
that the Britons were the original occupiers; 
and from the meaning of those names may be 
inferred the nature of the institutions or public 
buildings to which they belonged. The British 
name for this town, which has a distinct mean- 
ing different from that of its Saxon name of 
Ludlow, proves beyond a doubt the original oc- 
cupation of this place by the Britons, and (he 
nature of their establishment here. 

It is evident that religious establishments sub- 
sisting through a succession of many ages, grad- 
ually changed to suit the fashions of the times ; 
and the simple form of an incorporated brother- 
hood, which was most consistent with Christiani- 
ty in its original purity, by degrees assumed a 
more showy exterior. Hence we find that the 
religious society of St. John the Baptist had de- 
generated at the time of its dissolution, and pos- 
sessed a dean and fellows. It is also highly prob- 
able that the Palmer's Guild originated from an 
ancient British foundation of a very different cha- 
racter from what it had acquired at a later period. 

The civil regulations of our ancestors are in 
many instances not less involved in obscurity 



GOVERN MBNT. 101 

thaa those of a religious kind, for though we 
frequently recognise in numerous words and 
phrases yet retained in our law language, the 
tyrannous institutions and customs of the Con- 
queror, as well as the more generous and wise 
usages of the noble Alfred, yet from these re- 
maining fragments distinct ideas of the manner 
in which their administration was conducted are 
not easily to be collected, 

GOVERNMENT. 

The town of Ludlow had, previous to its first 
charter given by the fourth Edward, been gov- 
erned as at present by the twelve and twenty* 
five, through a period defective in historical re^ 
cords, and extending far beyond human recol- 
lection. Hence an enquiry into the origin of its 
former and present civil constitution would be 
altogether fruitless. The phrase Free Burgh is 
understood to be synonymous with the Roman 
appellation of municipal, or free city ; both of 
them denoting, in reference to the place to which 
they were applied, an exemption from the im- ' 
mediate jurisdiction of any foreign power. The 
system sanctiooed by Edward IV. fur the Gov« 
emment of Ludlow was nearly the same as it had 
previously enjoyed : the citizens were too much 
attached to their ancient constitution to desire 
any alteration, and the monarch's gratitude for 
the important services he had received in his 
greatest ditfculties would not allow turn to op- 



IM HISTORY Of L17DLOW. 

pose their wishes. This charter was renewed; 
and in some parti€ii}ars altered, during the sue* 
ceeding reigns from Edward IV. to Charles II. 
but in the time of William and Mary, in the yeat 
1690, its original form was restored in conforms 
ity to the wishes of the principal inhabitejits, 
who petitioned Parliament for that purpose. 

Ludlow is governed by a Recorder, two Bai-» 
liffs, two Justices, twelve Aldermen, twenty-five 
Common Council men. Town Clerk, chief Consta- 
ble, Corouer, and several other inferior officers. 

In the process of forming this civil establish* 
ment, thirty-seven individuals are first selected 
from among the Burgesses of the town. Out of 
these twelve are chosen as Aldermen, or princi- 
pal Burgesses, and one of this number is elected 
High Bailiff. The remaining twenty-five are the 
Common Council, from which the Low Bailiff 
is chosen. The privilege of burgesship is in- 
herited by the sons of Burgesses, and those who 
marry their daughters are entitled also to be ad- 
mitted into this body ; for which purpose they 
are required to petition according to the pre- 
scribed form, given in the bye law made in the 
year 1663. 

The annual election of the Bailiffs is on the 
13th of October, and they enter upon their offi- 
ces on the 28th of the same month, on which 
occasion a public dinner is provided, which is 
always, numerously .attended by the principi^ in- 



CUSTOMS. 193 

habitants of the town, and by the neighbouring^ 
nobility and gentry. A ball is afterwards given, 
and the whole of these entertainments are on a 
liberal scale, splendid and expensive, far above 
any thing of the kind in this part of the country 1 

The Quarter Sessions are held here before the 
Recorder, the High Bailiff, and the Justices of 
the town, on Thursday after Epiphany week, 
Thursday after Easter week, Thursday after 
Thomas a'Becket week, and Thursday after the 
14th of October. This court has in former 
times passed sentence of death, but the Record- 
ers of late years, not being barristers, all per- 
sons liable to be tried for capital offences are 
removed by Habeas Corpus to the' county jail.' 

A Court of Record is held every Tuesday, the 
Recorder and Bailiffs presiding as judges. 

Ludlow was authorised to send two Repre- 
sentatives to Parliament, by King Edward IV. 
in the year 1461, the first of his reign ; which 
privilege it appears ever since to have enjoyed. 
The right of electing is understood to be in all 
the resident Burgesses, and the Bailiffs are the 
returning officers. 

CUSTOMS. 

Among the customs peculiar to this town, 
that of the Rope Pulling is not the least extra- 
ordinary. On Shrove Tuesday the Corporation 
provide a Rope three inches in circumference and 



1-04 HISTORY OP LUDLOW. 

la IcBgib Ihirty-six yards, which is given out at 
erne of the wmdows of the Market House ais the 
clock strikes four ; when a large body of the in* 
habitants divided into two parties, one contend- 
ing for Castle Street and Broad Street Wards, and 
the other for Old Street and Corve Street Wards, 
commence an arduous struggle ; and as soon as 
either party gains the victory by pulling the Rope 
beyond the prescribed limits, the pulling ceases ; 
which is however renewed by a second, and 
^sometimes by a third contest, the Rope being 
purchased by subscription from the victorious 
party and given out again. Without doubt tills 
singular custom is symbolical of some remarka- 
ble event, and a remnant of that ancient language 
of visible signs, which, says a celebrated writer, 
"imperfectly supplies the want of letters, to per- 
petuate the remembrance of public or private 
transactions." The sign In this instance has 
survived the remembrance of the occurrence it 
was designed to represent, and remains a pro- 
found mystery. It has been insinuated that the 
real occasion of this custom is known to the 
Corporation, but that for some reason or other 
they are tenacious of the secret. An obscure 
tradition attributes it to circumstances arising 
out of the siege of Ludlow by Henry Vl. when 
two parties arose within the town, one support- 
ing the pretensions of the Duke of York, and the 
other wishing to give admittance to the King; 



MERCIAN LODGE. IK 

one of the Bailifis is said to have headed the lal-» 
ter party. History relates that in this contest 
many lives were lost, and that the Bailiff, head- 
ing his party in an attempt to open Dinham 
Gate fell a victim there. If this custom was in* 
tended to represent the scene of civil strife refer* 
red to, \9e will leave our readers to judge whe-^ 
ther or not it he an apt emblem of it. 

In common with other ancient places, Ludlow 
yet preserves the custom of walking over the li- 
mits of the parish once a year ; this procession 
is on the Wednesday before Holy Thursday ; on 
which day the boys of the different schools, at- 
tended by one of the Clergy, proceed iirom the 
Church to a place near Corve Bridge where a 
cross formerly stood ; here the Epistle of the 
preceding Sunday is read ; from whence pas- 
sing to the Weeping Cross, the boys again kneel 
down and the Gospel for the same day is read 
by the Clergyman, after which the ceremony is 
completed at the Guildhall. 

MERCIAN LODGE. 

The ancient society of Free Masons have a 
Lodge at the Angel Inn, where they usually 
meet monthly on the Tuesday preceding the full 
moon. This Lodge was brought out of Here- 
fordshire, where it used to be distinguished by 
the appellation ''Silurian ;'' on its removal here 
it received the name of the "Mercian Lodge.'' 

The Ludlow Dispensary was established in 



198 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

1780, for Bupplying medical assistance to the 
diseased poor, and continues to be of extensive 
utility. It is however suggested that the enlarge- 
ment of the subscription to allow the means of 
supporting a well qualified Dispenser to attend 
regularly (as in Worcester, Tewkesbury, &c.) 
would greatly increase the efficiency of this in- 
stitution. Public establishments of this kind 
are not only useful as charities, but as schools 
for the improvement of medical science, which 
under the direction of presiding physicians and 
surgeons, supply daily means of improvement to 
junior students.* 

There has also been established here a Society 
for the relief of Lying-in Women, in indigent cir- 
cumstances. The persons relieved are poor 
men's wives, of reputable character, to whom 
sheets, napkins, bedgowns, caps, and various 
other necessary articles are supplied during the 
time of their confinement, to be returned on their 
recovery. Pecuniary relief is also given in some 
instances. A committee of twelve ladies con- 
duct the business of this Society. Each Sub- 
scriber is allowed to recommend one woman for 



*Soine of the numerous discoveries in philneophy and the arts, by 
which the preiieut age is distinguished, have been saccessfuUy applied 
to the improvement of public medical Institutions; among wKich mav 
be instanced Dr. Dods' "Athenseumof Medicine" at Worcester, in which 
the mudern improvements derived from galvanism, electricity, pneu> 
matic chemistry, he. with the application of sudatory, medicated, cold, 
warm, hot, dry air, and gas baths, inail their varieties are introduced and 
rendered practically useful, by an elegant and convenient apparatus for 
each, fitted up at a great expense. 



RACES. 197 

the Annual Subscription of 10s. 6d. This very 
excellent Charity is well supported. 

There are a considerable number of respect- 
able Benefit Societies in the town, whose meet- 
ings are held at the Red Lion, Sun, George, 
Golden Cross, Barley Mow, and the Feathers. 

Several companies yet remain of the incorpo- 
rated tradesmen, namely, that of the Stitchmen, 
consisting of glovers, tailors, breeches -makers, 
stay-makers, &c. the Hammer-men, blacksmiths, 
braziers, masons, &c. the Leather-men, tanners, 
curriers, shoe-makers, &c. these have yet annual 
feasts which they call ''Halls" from their having 
been formerly held in the Guildhall. 

The annual Races held here are generally in 
the month of July and consist of two days sport. 
In the Morning of the first day are run for, — 

The LT7DPORD STAKES of Ten Guineu each, nod a 
STAKES of Ten Guineas each for three yean old ColU. 

And in the Evening, — 

A MAIDEN PLATE of j£50, given by the Meroben for 
the Town. 

In the Morning of the second day are run for, — 

The ALL-AGED STAKES of Ten Guineas each, with 
Twenty Pounds added by the Town ; aod a SWEEPSTAKES 
for HUNTERS of Ten Guineas each. 

And in the Evening, — 

A PLATE of Fifty Ponnds, ffiven by the Members ; and the 
YEOMANRY CAVALRY STAKES of FiTe Guineas each, to 
which is added, by Viscount Clive, a Cnp?alue Thirty Guineas. 

The Races are succeeded by a Ball ; and by 
a Public Breakfast, which is held in the inner 
court of the Castle. 



Ids HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

Ludlow caoDot boast of any particular manu- 
factory on a large scale ; the greater part of the 
town being inhabited by genteel families, attract- 
ed probably by the healthy and pleasant situa- 
tion of the place. Its chief trade is in gloves, in 
the manufacture of which a great number of per-> 
sons of both sexes are employed. Besides this 
there is considerable business done in the papers 
making, tanning, timber trtf&e, and cabinet- 



The Population of Ludlow, as taken in the years 
1811 and 1821, was found to be as follows, — 



18U. 

Males 1610 

FemalM 8340 

Total 4130 

Inhabited Hou«t • 877 

Fanuliea .... 1109 



1821. 

Males 21t0 

Females 8700 

ToUl 4820 

Inhabited Honstt . 1006 

Families .... 1130 



Incnase since 1811 . . 070 

In conformity to the provisions of an Act of 
Parliament, procured for that purpose, the town 
of Ludlow was first paved and lighted in the 
year 1794, the commencement of the paving 
being in Castle Street on the 6th of March in 
that year. 

The town is built on a foundation partly rocky 
and partly a hard dry gravel ; and the water, 
which on digging rises through the strata, is su- 
perior to what is usually supplied by pumps in 
towns. Upon evaporation this water leaves a 
small portion of a whitish salt on the sides and 
bottom of the vessel, which deli^uidates on ex- 
posure to the air, and is conceived to be muriate 



WALKS AND BIDES. IW 

of lime, a substance generally found in wells 
contiguous io buildings. 

The town being eicellently supplied with wa- 
ter, there is little occasion to seek for springs in 
the neighbourhood, of which however there are 
several worth attention, particularly one in a 
field beyond Linney called the Boiling Well, a-> 
iiother called Sugar Well near the Paper Mills, 
and the far famed well of St. Julian in Ludford. 

WALKS AND RID£S. 

The vicinity of Ludlow supplies numerous 
pleasant walks and rides in every direction, being 
in its immediate, as well aa more distant sur- 
rounding scenery, equal or perhaps superior to 
any inland town in the kingdom. Nearest the 
town, the gravel walks round the Castle deserve 
our first notice, from whence passing over Cas- 
tle bridge and ascending WhitcUff Hill we find 
ourselves on an elevation, which gratifies the 
lover of rural, woodland, and cultivated scenes, 
by affording a pleasing and ever varying pros- 
pect; also the retired walk called Hackluyt's 
Close, under a row of stately elms, behind Lud- 
ford House ; that on the banks of the Teme to- 
ward the Paper Mills, and numerous others e- 
qually interesting might be enumerated. 

Among the rides in this vicinity, one is re- 
markably pleasing, and has been particularly 
noticed by judicious travellers : it passes near 
Oakley Park, crossing the Teme by Down ton 



^00 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

Castle^ and from thence through the extensive 
woods along the new road to Ludlow; the 
whole comprehending not much more than ten 
miles, yet affording such a charming variety of 
rich scenery and rural beauty, as can very sel- 
dom be surpassed by the combined efforts of 
nature and art. 

RIVERS. 

The river Teme, originating in the county of 
Radnor, and taking its course by Knighton, 
through the vale of Brampton Bryan, by Down- 
ton Castle and Oakley Park, and joining the 
Corve, passes by Ludlow, embracing its western 
and southern sides. In this river are found Pike, 
Trout, Greyling, Perch, Eels, and various other 
kinds of fish ; and in the Corve Trout, Eels, 
Chub, &c. 

The Corve in its course by the bottom of 
Corve Street and Linney, turns a wheel to grind 
bark for the tanners, and puts in motion machi- 
nery for rope, cordage, and sacking makers, &c. 
and on the Teme are also several Corn Mills, a 
Paper Mill, and, at the foot of Ludford Bridge, 
a small establishment in which many persons are 
employed in manufacturing the useful articles of 
woollen cloths, flannels, blankets, yarns, &c. 



Villages, Sfc. 

IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF LUDLOW. 

A S a necessary appendage to this work, we 
will now endeavour to give some account of 
such places of note in this neighbourhood, as 
commonly excite attention, commencing with 
the Village of Ludford, which is immediately 
connected with the town, and which is entitled 
to the more notice, from being according to the' 
charters within the ancient liberties of the Bo- 
tough, and enjoying the same privileges. 

LUDFORD HOUSE, 

the old fashioned seat of the Charltons, is con- 
spicuous, on a rising ground, above the village^ 
and preserves an antique appearance, though 
considerably embellished by its present posses- 
sor, £. Lechmere Charlton, Esq. This gentle- 
man is of the ancient family of the Lechmeres 
of Hanley Castle, in the county of Worcester ; 
which family (as appears from Nash's History 
of that county) originally came out of the low 
countries, and served under William the Con- 
queror. Nicholas Lechmere, Knight, Baron of 



II 



202 HISTORY OF LUPLOW. 

the Exchequer in 1701, and Nicholas Lord 
Lechmere, Baron of Evesham, who was Chan- 
cellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and of the 
Privy Council of George L w^re of this family, 
which has besides repeatedly represented the 
county and city of Worcester. 

Edmund Lechmere, Esq. the son of Anthony, 
who was the elder brother of Lord Lechmere, 
married Elizabeth, the sister of Sir Francis 
Charlton, Bart, and by her had Nicholas, wko 
on the death of his maternal uncle (Sir Francis 
dying without issue) came into the possession of 
this property, and assumed the name and arm« 
of Charlton, which devolved on his son, the 
present inheritor. 

This Mansion is without doubt of great an- 
tiquity, as is indicated by its approximation to 
the church, its interior quadrangle, and its style 
of masonry ; particularly the parts fronting the 
Leominster road, and the churchyard. Even in 
Sir Francis's time there were nothing but case- 
ments throughout the house, and so much did 
some parts of the building resemble a prison, 
Uiat a Scotchman passing by, when the dairy 
maid was looking through the window, is re« 
ported to have excUimed, ''ah ye be a bonny 
lassie, but I weel ken ye be there for na g^de." 
Mention is made of a house here in the remote 
period of the twelfth century, but of what kind 
does not appear ; it is conjectured to have been 



LUDVORD HOUSE. $09 

a religious foundation^ and vestiges of cells (in 
the recollection of old people) with certain mural 
decorations, warrant this supposition, and the 
presumption that it was even coeval with the e- 
rection of the Castle of Ludlow, and once per- 
haps partly dependent upon that ancient Baroni<» 
al Palace : a religious establishment however cer-* 
tainly existed here, and though in no account 
that we have been able to meet with, can be tra- 
ced any immediate connection between it and the 
Castle, yet in early days it was almost ever the 
custom to unite monastic institutions with mag- 
nificent castellated residences, as may be instaac* 
ed in Priories or Abbeys adjacent to Kenilwortb> 
Warwick, Kirklees, &c. 

In the time of William the Conqueror this 
manor made part of the possessions of Oabora 
the son of Richard, Lord of Richard's Castle. 
It was afterwards enjoyed by the family of Jor- 
daen, who deriving his surname from the place» 
was called Jordan de Ludford. This Jordaen 
left two daughters, whereof one died unmarried, 
the other married Howel Vaughan, who gave or 
sold the manor and its appurtenances to the 
Hospital of St. John the Baptist, in Ludlow, 

The Hospital of St. John being seized by the 
Commisioners at the time of the general disso^ 
lution of religious houses, in the reign of Henry 
VIII. this manor, as appertaining to that foun- 
dation, was also conveyed to the crown ; it was 



204 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

afterwards granted by Edward VI. to John Earl 
of Warwick ; of whom it was purchased by Wil- 
liam Foxe, and in the year 1607 it came to the 
Charlton family. 

This family had previously enjoyed extensive 
possessions in the county of Salop, and were 
resident at Appley Castle, near Wellington. 
Thomas Charlton was Bishop of Hereford in the 
year 1327. In the year 1337 he was appointed 
treasurer to Edward II. and soon afterwards 
made Chancellor of Ireland. He died in 1343, 
and was buried in Hereford Cathedral, where 
bis effigy may be seen on an altar monument 
under an arch in the north transept. 

Lewis Charlton became Bishop of Hereford in 
1361. Bale calls him Caerleon, and it has been 
supposed that he was born in that ancient city. 
This prelate before his elevation to the See had 
prosecuted his studies with much assiduity and 
success at each of the English Universities, and 
had been elected Chancellor of Oxford in the 
year 1357. He was a profound theologian, 
learned in mathematics, and had some knowledge 
of medicine. Dying A. D. 1369, he bequeathed 
iiis books to the cathedral, with £40 in money. 
His monument in the south-east aisle, though 
now much mutilated, has an interesting appear- 
ance : it is in the form of an altar, on which his 
effigy, mitred, is extended at full length ; over 
the recess in which it is inclosed, is a rich fret- 



LUDFORD ttOUSB. 205 

work gothic canopy, much defaced, and thti 
whole is surmounted with a highly wrought en- 
tablature ; on the wall above the effigy is the 
following inscription, — 

LadovicusCharltou, Epis: Heref: A. D. 1360. 

On the tomb are four shields, on the first of 
which are engraved croslets fitchee, on the second 
and third a lion rampant, on the fourth the arms 
of the See. 

Sir John Charlton, born at Appley Castle in 
1268, was of the bed chamber to King Edward 
II. and afterwards raised to the office of Chief 
Justice. He married Hawis Gadaru, sole daugh* 
ter and heiress of Owen ap Griffith, the last 
Prince of Powis: her four uncles, Llewellyn, 
John Griffith, Vaughan, and David, detained her 
inheritance from her, whereupon Hawis com- 
plained to King Edward, who appointed Sir 
John to marry her creating him in her right Ba- 
ron of Powis : and being assisted with the King's 
forces, he took three of her uncles prisoners, a« 
bout 1320, and brought the fourth to composi- 
tion, and finally recovered all his wife's estate, 
procuring also the lands of her uncles, in de- 
fault of their issue male, to be settled on her.* 



* In a large eastern window of stained glass in St. Chad's Cbnrch 
at Shrewsbury, is an inscription in Norman French translated asfol* 

lows: ''IVay for Monsieur John de Charlton, who caused this win- 

dow to be made, and for Dame Hawis Uis Companion.'* The word 
VCompaigne" for Wife indicates royalty, to which the Lady Hawip 
had pretensions "Madame sa dmpaigne" was fynonymous with 
QueeU| etcen, wuman. 



I 

■i 



tM HISTORY Of LUDLOW. 

Isftbel, sister to Sir John^ married John Sutton, 
Baron Dudley, from whom the Earls of Warwick 
and Leicester are descended. This Baronj after 
four generations devolved, in default of male is* 
sue, on Sir John Grey, Knight, who married the 
eldest daughter of Edward Charlton, fourth Lord 
Powis, by Eleanor daughter of Thomas Hollande, 
Earl of Kent, and widow of Roger Mortimer, 
Earl of March. But to a junior branch of this 
noble family did the property of Appley Castle 
and Whitton Court descend. Sir Robert Charl- 
ton who suffered much for his loyalty to Charles 
L resided there. His son Sir Job, Chief Justice 
of Chester, and one of the Judges of the Common 
Pleas, bought Ludford, and being a gentleman 
remarkable for his hospitality and convivial dis- 
position, had the honour of entertaining his sov- 
ereign. King James IL at Ludford House, in the 
year 16B7. One David Davis, who died many 
years ago at the great age of 104, was a domes- 
tic in the family and waited on them. The grey 
headed old man towards the decline of life, en- 
joying ease and plenty from the bounty of hh 
employer, was used to dwell with rapture on the 
noble guests at Ludford, and the true British 
conviviality which reigned round the large table, 
still remaining in the hall. 

There are a few pictures at Ludford House of 
considerable merit. A Wouv^rmans, three Jacob 
Ruy sdaeU, two Bassans, and a portrait of iiord 



LUHFORD CHtJRCH, 207 

Strafford by Sir Peter Lely are moat conspicuous* 
To the sonth of the house lies the garden^ 
^hich of late has undergone extensive improTe* 
inents. Towards the west is a large park, well 
stocked with deer, and remarkable for its fine 
luxuriant wood scenery : and in a line with the 
Leominster road, under the park wall, is a plea«- 
sant a*id much frequented walk called Hackluy t*a 
Close, not far from the termination of which is 
a respectable farm house called Huck's BarnTV 
only noticed on account of its having been the \ 
residence of the uncle of George Barnwell. Tra* 
dition says that in a piece of ground not far from 
this house, which still retains the name of Barn- 
well's Green, this wretched victim of seduction 
waited to rob and murder his friend and bene- 
factor. 

Leland, the father of £nglish antiquaries 
whose writings are from actual surveys, visited 
Ludlow sometime between the years 1500 and 
1550, and observes respecting Ludford : — ''The 
suburbs over Teme bridge, by south, is called 
Ludford, and in it is a little parish church. 
There be three fayre arches in this bridge over 
Teme, and a pretty chapel upon it of St. Cath** 
erine. It is about 100 years since this stone 
bridge was erected. Men passed along by a 
ford, a little below the bridge," 

Allowing for the change in appearance which 
-modern additions and improvements would give 



i 



308 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

we may reasonably suppose that the present 
parish church is the same as that described in 
the above extract: it is a plain building and im- 
mediately contiguo|i8 to Ludford House. The 
chancel was built by William Foxe, and is evi- 
dently a modern addition to the church : it is 
the family sepulchral repository, where we find 
among others two or three monuments of the 
Foxe family, and two or three of the Charlton : 
Sir Job*s we shall transcribe, which is in a re- 
cess above his litatue, reclining in his magisterir 
al habiliments. 

Hlc jacent reliquiae HononbilisTiri dMnini Job Charlton, Eqni* 
tis et BaroDettit qui Imperantr Gurolo Secnndo JoBtitiarius capi- 
talis Cestrie fnit merito conttitntos. 

Quo iu munere Annos magia yiginti elaboravit. Senatoribus 
minorom sentium Prolocutor, nee non unus ex Justiciarijs Domini 
Regis de Banco gravissimus hisce negotijs omnimode Par: quorum 
aiuRula turn penpicaci ingenio turn fide pertinaci ezplevit. JEqut 
in Eznlem Oarolumatque Regnantem Pius: Causam Regiameti- 
am afflictam adiovit. Vir eximia Pietate, Justftia promptaqua 
Beoeficentia pleuns. 

Conjuz Fiduf, 
FaterSoIicitus. 
Judex integerrinuit. 

Obijt vicesimo quarto Maij 1897, Anno aetatissuaeOctogesimo 
Tertio Habuit promlaaum Riorum praeminm in tenia nempevitam 
diuturnam, in arcbam per Jesum Christum ccelisaeterna. 

Huic in Opibus et Tltulis succeasit Franciscus Charlton, Baro. 
nettus, fiiiuft uatu maximua. 

On a mural marble monument, underneath a 
marble bust is an inscription to the memory of 
Dorothy the wife of Sir Job. 

LrDFORD ALMSHOUSE, 

which is probably on or near the site of the 
house which was called St. Giles*,* was founded 

* St. Gilea, a celebrated ascetick of the seventh century, preferred 
the barrenness ot deserts for his abode, to exclude the temptation* of 
iudulgence : and still as his pceaieiice remored the sterility of the wU- 



LUDPORP ALMSHOUSE. 209 

by Sir Job Charlton in the year 1672, for six 
poor and impotent persons, one of whom was to 
be warden, and the incorporation by indenture 
to bear the name or denomination of, ^'The war- 
den and poor of the Hospital of Ludford.*' The 
said warden and poor, by their corporate name, 
to have the power to purchase and hold lands, 
and to sue and be sued, and to have a common 
seal. The founder further provided that he and 
his heirs should have power to nominate the 
warden and poor as vacancies should occur; and 
that in default of such heirs, the Bailiffs of Lud- 
low and their successors should have the nomi- 
nation. 

By various indentures the said Sir Job Charl- 
ton conveyed to the warden and poor of the 
Hospital of Ludford land and other possession^ ; 
property was also consigned to this charity by 
Sir Francis Charlton in 1774. Since which time 



dcrneM he retired further into its recesiet. His affection for deterts 
made him the appropriate patron of persona afflicted with that dreadful 
•courge of former times^ the Leprosy, who were compelled to fly as far 
from public resort as was consistent with their subsistence, and they 
therefore established themselves at the ends of towns, where churches 
under the patronage of this saint are u saally found. St. Giles was In- 
deed a general patron of the infirm : for having been wounded he pray- 
ed that he might never be cured; because *'be knewe well that vertue 
sholde prouffite to hym in infirmite.'* The Leprosy was introduced 
into Europe by the Crusades, and mention is made of Hospitals of St. 
Giles in the reign of Henry L whose consort/ *Molde the goode Queene/* 
founded St. Giles* in the Fields. There appears to have been houses of 
this kind in Shropshire before the time of Henry II. dedicated te St. 
Giles **the Fatrone of Creeples." And in the King's charter to on* 
of those honse« it is requested that "when the bretheren come to beg 
aln^s for the behoof of their bouse, you (our subjects) will mercifully 
Impart to them of your goods for the love of God, because they are 
poor." 

P 



^Cf beftttfiuctlMs \M*t been aM<d by the ChstU 
Hn family. It appears that thbttgh. the six place* 
%tt k^pt cdiist&iiUy filled^ th« aame and diatitic- 
tidfl of warden^ As head of the corporation, have 
long ceased lo exist. The Utest iitstahce of the 
use df the edmmoti seal is on a lease of Sauhdetd' 
AeadbW is 1618, and the iifeit subsequekit lease 
bMiirs the stel of Sir Frattcis Charlton. 

The *<pretty chapel of 6t. Catherine/'"^ wfaiclk 
<Beirtainly did fbrmerly stakid on Lndfbid Bridge, 
has b^en fbrgotten for many years; but th^ 
celebrated well of St« Jtili^h is fresh in the 
memory of the itthabtlanls of the village, because 
the wonderful cares of diseases believed to havt 
been mtraculoasly performed by it, connected 
with the ancient superstitibn, are circamstaDce^ 
so strongly impressive, that the tsLme of them 
eontinoes for a long series of ages. This i^ell 
used to be seen and resorted to under the gar- 
den wall, near the Hospital. 

8ALTMORB WELL. 

This is a saline spring below Ludford, on the 
opposite side of the river, at the foot of a hill. 
The rural cottage on the premises is a pleasing 
and picturesque object, harmonizing with the 
surrounding scenery which is extremely beautiful. 
The water of this spring is found to contain a 
small quantity of carbonate of iron, with a little 

* This Chapel stood od the first pier towardf Ladlow, audwM 
tolerably perfect ia 17S2. 



inlptote of magnesia, aaHd aiconBidefabl^ p^itkuA 
of iiiiHfit«e ttf «KM}a. In tcQirb«rtie aad irafiMS 
isitm dtsdt^ers, great trenefit lia% been fiMbd t5 
arise'ftotti tbe ftee nise \tyf this water, aftd ia dl diib«« 
^rdens f«r ^h^dh uti a)[>eriettt nid eolYDl^omiit 
medicine is required it «vbtiid donbtkltt prbfe 
useful. 

Mew BAtH AT SALtnoitE. 

The want of comvMiienee fer bathing at Sait*' 
more had long been lamented ; bee^use, judging 
from analogy, no one tan dt»ubt thial it intr st prftve 
equally as powerful «a sea Wliter, and applicable 
to the firaifte uaefal pni^yoaes. On this ateouat, 
we aatitfipyte t^ firati^attion indiiridciars atid <M 
public will feel, tHien informed that piroper nc^ 
eoinmodatiMifs are now tottiplet^ at the cottage 
for cold or warm batbhig. In ^utaneouit affec- 
tions, scrophula, ehroinik rheumlilism, paralysis, 
and nbd^e an in diistordens Incident to yoong fe- 
males, the greatest advantages tnav reaM>nably 
be expected from this bath ia a warm or tepid 
state ; and M all purpiodes iti wbieh tbe toM im- 
mersion may safely be nsed it deserves preference. 

Pn'S^hig aiong the Worcester toad we arrive 
at the tefy pteaiiant ^nages of Ashford Bowdler 
and Ashford Carbonel, near each other on 6p- 
poaite aidei^ of the river, and about two mile* 
distant from Ludlow. To the fight is 

ASH¥Ofe1> HALL, 

the residence of Miss Bucklejr> an elegant mo^ 



212 BISTORT OF LUDIX>W. 

dern baildiBg, ob a rising grouDd, commanding 
extensive prospects, and embellished with sur- 
rounding plantations. There are also on this side, 
of the river the handsome dwelling houses of 
Mrs. Richard Green and Mrs Jonathan Green ;. 
on the opposite side is 

ASHFORD CODRT, 

the seat of Charles Walker, Esq. And in this 
neighbourhood is also a handsome house belong- 
ing to John Downes, Esq. 

Four miles further on the left is 

EASTON, 

the mansion of D. R. Dansey, Esq. the descen- 
dant of the ancient family of the Danseys of 
Brinsop, in the county of Hereford. 

About two miles further, in a pleasant vale 
on the banks of the Teme, is 

BURFORD HOUSE, 

the residence of the Honorable and Rev. G* 
Rushout Bowles. 

BURFORD. 

''Burford (says Camden) descended from The- 
odorick Say*s posterity to Robert de Mortimer^ 
and from his heirs to Jeffrey de Cornubia or 
Cornwaile, of the lineage of Richard Earl of 
Cornwall and l^ing of the Alemans ; whose heirs 
even to our days have borne the honourable title 
of Barons. Burford was held of the King, to 
find five men for the army of Wales, and by the 
service of a barony**' 



BURFORD*. 213 

> The church is an aDcient fabric, aad many 
monuments of the Cornewall and other families 
of note are found within it, particularly that of 
Edmund Cornewall, Baron of Burford, with his 
portrait in his shroud painted upon a board. 
He was a man of extraordinary size and strength, 
and is represented to have been seven feet three 
inches in height. Habington has given his cha- 
racter, — ''He was in mind an Emperor, from 
whom he descended ; in wit and stile so rare, 
to comprise in a few words, and that so clearly, 
such store of matter, as I scarce ever saw to e- 
qual him, none to excel. He was mighty in bo- 
dy, but very comely, and exceeded in strength 
all men of his age ; for his own delight he had 
a dainty touch on the lute ; and of such sweet 
harmony in his nature, as, if ever he offended 
any, were he never so poor, he was not friend 
with himself, till he was friend with him again ; 
he led a single life, and before his strength de- 
cayed, entered the gate of death.** 

Several other monuments have been noticed, 
but the church is damp and they are rapidly 
perishing ; the following ought to be preserved 
from oblivion : — 

H«iiely«th tbe bodie of the noble princcM Elizabeth, daaghter 

of John of Gaunt, dnke of Laucuter, own iltter to king Heury 4, 

> w\it of John Holland, earl of Bnutingdon, and dake of Exeter, af. 

terwards mained to Sir John Come way U, knight vf the Garter, and 

Lord Pahhope. She died in the 4th year of Henry 0. A. D. 1420. 

Near her, upon a wooden moveable monument, 
is a man in armour reclined upon his helmet. 



fl4 HISTORY 9^ IblJI^LOW. 

aapili98«d to be (he kivibAP4 o| tjivi P^i^QQ(l8, 
biil( ib« i9«qriptM)9 19 n^fi^rb oUite^^^^i, 

of tbe. big^ T«Ad to Lqow wter, i^ Ijb^ 

tbe beautiful 8.eat of Tb9ophilu« Bi^hti'd $«^ 
ivey» Esq. deUsrb^fuJiy siAuAtod on m deyntiod 
»pot, tkirled towQX(l« the wes^ by 801918 p]eaAl4it 
iKoods^ and ccmmMidiig an ex|«aBW« and varied 
view aver a large raage. ^f cowNtry. The laany 
improvemeiita mutde ia. Um bou»e^ pb^taJ^s, 
&c. by tbift gei^tWinaa ainc^e it baa beeii^ in bia 
poasafsioQ, bave oQnsiderably wc^easv^d iA4, 
beauty. The fafiad% of the building ia a fiae. 
piece of arcbitefitur^ aad the whole of tha ii^ 
terior ia dagaaUy fii^ahed. 
A little fiurtber 00 the left aidie of iJM^ road, ia 

i^bicb» ia tbe vxteeaAb. cantivy> belonged to Iha 
LyttUtonSy but ia aow tha prQpafty of John. 
Salwey, Esq. Loid of the Quanair of &i€l»rd'& 
Castle* It is ia the asidat of a fiaid uadMlatkig 
cQoatry^ and laaJkes^ with th« snivoiwdkig plan*. 
tatioDs aiHl groves^ a pleasing and piptmeaqiaek 
object. The park contiguous to.Uie house ia» 
by the intermiaLture of various clumps of traes, 
a fine sheet of water, and some handsome dis- 
tant prospects, rendered bigUy agree«i,htataUie 
loyer of natural, landscape* 
At % sho^t disi^nipq i^qm RIqqjk Pwfc i* 



|LICHARD*S QA^TI<9. 9U 

TRB «Ay PARK^ 

tbe residence of Mrs. 1. C. Salwey^ $eate4 9Q 9k 
loft]f ^mmit» amidst wqods ; tbe park U well 
stocked with deer. 
ProoeediDg qq tbe I^omiqster road, we come to 

tibe residence of tbe Rev. R. F. HalUfai^y Rector 
of Hicbard*s Castle, a very, ple^pai^t Skpd coiq- 
fortable maosiQii, Qioderoised aid iiqprpv^ by 
ik^ present possessor. 

|(|CHARP*9 CASTI'Bj 

ill about three miles from Ludlow. Tbe towii 
qoutigupus was anciently palled Gay ton or Qoy^r 
taqc. It is evident from various old records, 
tbat tbis was a town of considerable impprtancQ 
vnti) tbe reign of Henry III. but it now copsists 
pnly pf a few farm bouses. King John granted 
to Robert de j^prtimer a charter for holding 

both a market and faur at this plaoe ; but both 

have beea so long disused, that no vestige re-p 
maiasy e.:icQpt that there is yet a place called 

the toll- shop green, near the Qastle. 

«<Riqbard>Cas4e/'Bays JUeland, ''standetb at 
the top of a ycfy wprky hill, wejl wooded, and 
at t,he vest end pf tbe parish church there. The 
kefp» the waUa» mA towers of it stapd, but going 
to ifuin. Theri^ is a ppor bouse pf timber in the 
Ca«tle kaftb foi? a faimer ; it belongeth aow to 
Ihe king, it bdonged of late tp the Lord Vaux> 
afisf tp PopAt There is a park impaled." 



t 



,1 



2iej HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

This Castle was built before the Conquest, 
by Richard Scrope, in the reign of Edward the 
Confessor. At the time of the Doomsday sar* 
vey it was held by Osborn Fitz-Richard, whose 
grandson assumed the name of Say, and was 
killed in Wales in the reign of Richard I. Mar- 
garet, his grandaughter and heir, married Robert 
de Mortimer, from whose family it also passed 
by an heiress, to the Talbots who possessed it 
till the time of Richard II. King Edward VI. 
granted this manor to Nicholas Bishop of Wor- 
cester, and his heirs. In the fifteenth century it 
was possessed by T. Bradshaw, on a long lease 
from the Bishop. This gentleman married the 
daughter of Arthur Salwey, Esq. by whom he 
had issue twenty children; his grandson sold 
the lease of the manor to Richard Salwey, Esq. 
in which family it still continues. Some part of 
the keep and walls are still remaining, yet so 
hidden by the luxuriant wood scenery about 
them, as scarcely to be discovered until they 
are nearly approached. 

^'Beneath this Castle," says Camden, '^na^ 
ture, which no where disporteth itself more in 
shewing wonders than in waters, hath brought 
forth a pretty well, which is always full of little 
fish bones, or as some think, of small frog bones, 
although they be from time to time drawn quite 
out of it, whence it is called Bone-well." But 
this it Dot correct, for these bones are found 



ORLBTON. 217 

generally in spring and autnmn, and not at all 
in the winter. 

Upon the declivity of the eminence near the 
Castle, a body of Royalists, amounting to near- 
ly 2000, under Sir Thomas Lundesford, were 
defeated in the year 1645, by a force far infe- 
rior, headed by Colonel Birch. 

The parish Church is dedicated to St. Bar- 
tholomew, and had formerly a spire, which was 
burnt down ; it is contiguous to the Castle, and 
is a fine old structure, with some beautiful rem- 
nants of stained glass. 

ORLBTON 

is a pleasant village, among orchards, five miles 
from Ludlow, near the Leominster road. 

This manor was given by the Conqueror to 
Ranulph de Mortimer, whose descendant Ed- 
ward IV. held it distinct from the crown lands, 
and had a particular seal, even after he became 
King, for the concerns of the Earldom of March, 
as appears from a charter of manumission 
granted to a villeine of this place, bearing date 
20th August, 1468, the seal of which is preser- 
ved, bearing the arms of Burgh quarterly, sup- 
ported by lions rampant, and surmounted by a 
crown, with this inscription, — 

Sigillum EdwanU Qaaiti Dei Gia. Regit Angliv, Fnncias 
]>omiDi, GomiUtif Sii« Marcliiae. 

After Edward's death this manor was annexed 
to the crown, and was granted by James I. to 



%i9 HISTQBY OF I.UDLOW. 

Q^orge HaptQn, from vhom it pMMd through 
several families to the Blounts, 

A great fair is anaaally h^M here qo ikfi 34th 
of April, Mrbere dealers supply themselves with 
oiea an4 other cattle for thi^ NortbfifPptoiishirQ 
markets, 

Three miles from Orlcton, on the Pr^steign 
road, we enter on the Sao demesne of 

CROFT CA$T|.s;. 
th« residenci) of Mrs. Davies, formerly the sent 
of the CrofU* "a famovs, ancient, and knigbtty 
family." Sir Bernard Croft resided here in th^ 
reign of Edward the Confessor, about the year 
970 ; Sir Jasper, his successor, joining If nrold, 
was deprived of bis ^stftte by William th^ Con* 
queror, who gave it to his follower William de 
Swehin. Tfa« Croft fmnily afterwards rogaining 
possession, retained this est»<^ till the end of 
the hist qqntury.* 

* Sir Richard Cra(| was Hiffb Sheriff of Rerefbrdahire and ^ptQT 
«f Prince Edward at the battle m Tewkslrary. Hhn he deli vem up to 

Sit eQCQiiea, "Qoihins disinining the King's promiae to pceserve th^ 
fe of hk royal priaener, who was a fkir and well proportioned yonog 
fvoUemap 'y hut he was cmaUy louidffed. Sir Ueibert CrofI in 
S03 was kiilghted br James t and toward the close of Im (j^aya Wood, 
hia hiografber) **fttil wapfy (rf the fooleries and vanities of the worli)^ 
retired to Doway in Flanders, and was there received into the Onllfge 
of Bapedictifwa. where be spent tk« r«naind«r of his days in ftrict d^- 
rotion and religious exercises. At length, after he had macerated his 
body with fasting, bardsbtp, and df vpti9n« h« aurnu^td up hia piow 
aoul to the Almighty on the lOtb of April 1^2 " Sir Williaai 

Croft waa kpightvd hy Charier I. b^^v^A a Cplonel in the roval vmj, 
and was slain on the 9th of June 1645. Herbert Croft, educated at 

Doway, and entei«d in tiM order of Jeantta, was afterwards reconciled 
to the English Church, and having studied at Oxford was made Prebend 
of ^tWiihnry. ChipHun M» the King, Prrbepd «f Wwceatev, Qmm>a f f 
Windsor, and Dean of Hereford, in 1644. Notwithstanding these pre- 

lHtm«Dta,]tabQroll Mm«xtaMaf)| li»itiidl«.biap«mMMy uiHM, v^ 



On. U^ right is % plain Pajsona^e Hou3e» the 
OGcaaioMl i^esidence of the very Rev. W. Lan- 
dQQt QuP» Dean of £xjeter ; and a liUle further 
the elegant mansion of 

HIGHWOaD HOUSE, 

the. seat of T. Coleman, Esq* 

An ei^tensive park.» famous {qk its large oak 
wd beech trees^ continues aloi\g an eminence 
north from Croft Castle, on which is a Britisk 
Ca«ip» of an^ eliptical form, with a double ditch 
apd rampart, called Croft Amhrey, from Am-» 
liirosiusy a celebrated British hero. From this 



deprWtd of all hit oflicci darins the civi) wan, his pcfson, from hto 
faaMDiK otf speech md the ooen bofdMsa of his repmon^ ms eoBsUnU 
]y exposed tg peril. Soon after the tsking of Hereford, whilst he wa«, 
tweaking frons the pvlpit agAinsI the erime of sacrilege, some pulitt» 
meutaiy officers then present began to mutter among tbem^lvcs, and a 
gaud of moequeteere in the chmrch, preparing their pieces^ asked it 
they should fire at him ;, but Colonel Birch, their Governor, prevented 
thenn In 1659, on the soecessive dnths of hie two brotherst h& became 
posse«ed of the fiimiljr estates, and at tbeRestomtion be was reinstate^ 
in «H hie preferments^ and in 1600 promoted to the See of Here<bi< 
which be would never qjoit though more than once offered a better See* 
In 1M0 he became Dean of the Royal Chspeli but being wearied uf » 
court life, and fiodingi that bit piety had little indnence iu dlminishipfi 
the diwohiteness of manners then prevalent, he wisely retired to hn 
Diocese, and uniting action, to piecept, lived a bright example to all) 
around him, of those virtues which entitle men to respect ana honour. 
Aipxious to reform soipe abuses in the Qiurcb. iu 1074 he published % 
pamphlet entitled, **The Naked Truth, or the trde state or the primi- 
tive Cbuich." This work made a prodltfioni noise, and was rend bjs 
•It people of sense and learning in the kingdom, as embodying the 
ieutimenta q( those w^^o wished. |q piomoie union end pesce annn* 
christians, rather than general hatred and contention by penalties ana 

Kvecution* He died Mat 18th lepi, and wmi busied heeidA hit fmi4 
»n Benson I the two gravestones having hands on tliem conjoined, 
wiik this iinniintionb— M vita c&t^uneU: in,9mmti fum QiwiH^ 
Sir Richnrd Croit, tt:e unfortanate Accnncheur of tbe I^incess Char* 
lotte, was of thisftupjjy;^ and justly dceeribed ae n man otlkeMO* koi^ 
oqrabie principles anii tbe mtist generous disposition. It is generally 
HnoWAtbet, eabaosted: bv anxiety and fiitigue, vrtHtatniaof baoMiing 
refiections preying on hU mind, he was reluctantly persuaded to xetiie 
into ab^BOoia where loaded pistole were unhaaptty 1^1 ^mtkim hto 
reach, and tint after nudnight in a moment of oistiectjon he put a% 



220 HISTORY or LUDLOW. 

position the prospect is very extensive, compre- 
hending ivithin its wide circuit thirteen counties. 
At the distance of one mile from Croft Castle, 
and adjoining the road, is 

LUCTON SCHOOL, 

the munificent foundation of Mr. J. Pierrepont. 
This school was established by Act of Parliament 
in the \ear 1708. It is under the control of 
eight gentlemen who hold the following high sit- 
uations in London, the Common Sergeant, the 
Master of th^e Charter House School, the Master 
of Merchant Taylor's School, the Preacher of 
the Charter House, the Preacher of Gray*s Inn, 
the Rector of St. Botolph*s, Bishopsgate, the 
Kector of St. Peter*s, Cornhill, and the President 
of Sion College. These gentlemen form a cor- 
poration under the name of ''The Governors of 
Lucton School." They elect a number of lay- 
men of property, and clergymen, in the neigh- 
bourhood of Lucton, to act as their ''Counsel- 
lors'* or "Assistants,*' who every year, in the 
months of June and December, visit the school, 
examine the scholars, fill vacancies, and recom- 
mend qualified candidates to apprenticeships 
and University exhibitions. A select number of 
the Governors meet the Assistants, at intervals, 
at some of the half-yearly visitations. 

There are three superintendents of the school, 
a Master, an Usher, and a writing Master, who 
&ave each of them liberal annual allowances 



LUCTON SCHOOL, f 221 

from the Governors. The number of the scho- 
lar»9 when the school has its complement, is l05« 
These scholars are divided into three classes. or, 
in the familiar language of the benevolent foun- 
der, "Sorts." — ^The first sort consists of fifty, the 
sons of parents resident in the parishes of Luc- 
toD, Aymstrey, Shobdon, Kingsland, Yarpole. 
Crofty Eyton, and the township of Luston, in the 
parish of Eye, and whose annual income must 
not exceed £20. These fifty boys are annually 
clothed, and do not pay for tuition. — The second 
sort consists of thirty boys, the sons of parents 
whose annual income does not exceed £300. They 
are chosen, as the first sort, from the seven pa- 
rishes and township : but if there be not a suf- 
ficient number of candidates found within them, 
boys from any part of the kingdom are eligible 
to supply the vacancies. The second sort are 
not clothed by the Governors; and each boy 
pays £l annually for his tuition. All the paper, 
copy books, and school books that the boys of 
the first and second sort use in the school, are 
gratuitously supplied by the Governors. The 
boys of both these sorts cannot be admitted on 
the foundation before seven, nor, we believe, 
after thirteen years of age. Every year boys out 
of these two sorts are recommended to trades, 
after they have been four years at least on the 
foundation. With each boy thus recommended, 
a fee of £6 is given at the time of binding ; £5 



ttt HIStOftT OF LUDL6W. 

nor^ at th^ temiaaticti of two if ^iurt ftervlce t 
and at \^t end of teven yttcrn, im produciti^g^ 
hoboarable tettimo'Dialft of integtity and gtK^ 
coaduet, an additional bounty of £20. In the 
ivht)ie £30 to eaoh boy. Every two years an 
e&hibition of £76 a year is ready to be given to 
any dtily qualified candidate, from either of the 
t^o sorts, to go to any college in either of the 
two Universities. Each eihtbition is littited to 
four years from the time of admission bh thfe 
University Roils. — The third sort consists of the 
master*^ boarders, who are limited to twentyfive. 
They are eligible from any part of the kingdom : 
btit they have no advantage from the apptentice 
fees and exhibitions, if they be not admitted into 
either the first or second sorti. 
Mr. Pierrepont*B epitaph in Lacton Chapel,-^ 

Sacr^ to the memory of Mr. "John Plerrepont, Vintner nxA Clt> 
teeli a London yoonecr ion of Mr. lUlph Pien«i>ftut and Elitabetli 
hit wife of thia parim, and orlginAliy descended from the Pierre- 
poBta 4n NottinshamAhret he lived Mitaarried, and hariitt wUh 
the blessing of God find applause of men, gained a pleiitifal Estate, 
he retired t« hia native Phice to dedicate the greatest |>art «f it to 

{noo* usett The Free School here founded and endowed by hitn 
o hia lift tiane, and eaKihliahwl hy Act of l^hritameat ; Divine 8cr* 
vice restored to this Chapel by a seitied allowance to a Minister, 
tbt larxcr e»aowilieiit «f htsToandatfoii fay his last «ill. 1^» Lefea^ 
cict to the Hospitals of Mile end, and St Bartliolomew*ii in Lon* 
doD, of wlilditie'«iisftOev«nio», historftviiioto fortheaofeimeMao 
tion for ever of poor Vicarages, will all remain as so many lasting 
MoftumtaOof hife tr«ly gttkt tfld exoeltont mttid, of hffe natufu 
disposition to useful Cuaritiea, his love to Arts and Learning, hia 
lA«0tion to the Chniieh of Englknd, afed dflila Mai for Ced*i glbty. 
Thus he lived a rare pattern of good works, and died Nov. 15, 171 L, 
UtaeMhyeitf^biiagfe. 

One mile from Lntton iSchool is the hamlet of 

MOlttlMER^S CRO^S, 

situated hi a very beautiful valley^ near the place 



where a t^UMilrkiible hkil)t Waft foligllt btetwe^n 
the pani^aBs of the mat houft^nof York niid 
LaiiciLfttet. To cdntaieiAoraU tbl^ event, a neiit 
T^Hcatt Pedestal of t^hite utbttt htt beett erect- 
lid, at the distance of on^ tnile IVoM Mortimer's 
Crosi», \n ati angle of two roads, diverging to 
Leominster htxA Stratford Bridge, with the iTol- 
lOwing inscriptioti,^^ 

This P^desUI Is erhtttA to beH^MSte tti« tattatttf bf sto lo^ftH. 
Date, bloody, and decinve battle tooght near thib spot, in the civil 
wars between the ambittons houses of York and LahcsMrer, oti the 
second day of February , 1460, between the forces of Edward Mor* 
timer. Earl of March, afterwards Ed«i<atd 17. on the side of York, 
and those of Henry VI. on the side of Lancaster. The king's for* 
ces were commanaed by Jasper, Earl of Pembroke t Cdwara com* 
mauded his own in person, and was victorious. The slaaghter Was 
great on both sides, 4000 being Teft dead upon the field ; and many 
Welsh peisoDs of the first distinction were taken prisoners, among 
whom was Owen Tudor, great grandfather to Henry VIII. and a 
fitscendsnt of the illustrious Cadwalliider, who wasafterwatdbbe* 
headlid at Hereford. This was the decisive battle which fixed Ed. 
%ard IV. on the throne of England. Ho was i^roclaimed Kiii^ on 
the 5th of March following. 

£i«cted by Bttbtcrtptfoli, IttfL . 

Three miles north of Mortimer^s Crosd is 

WIGMORB. 

The situation of this village is very romantic: it^ 
site is the slope of an immense mountain of bare 
rock, and the streets themselves are undisturbed 
masses of stone, which renders them almost im« 
passable for horses and carriageiii. Upon an emi- 
nence to the west is Wigmore Castle, which wais 
built by Ethelfledn about the year 900, and fid- 
ward, the brother of this celebrated and mag- 
nanimous lady, id said to have repaired ftnd hi- 
ded to its strength and beauty, ttianulpli ISor- 
ttmer vriested it from Edtii^ Savattcws, VkM of 



224 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

Shrewsbury ; and through a succession of ages, 
this family continued to possess vast estatt^s ; 
became great and powerful ; and opposing them- 
selves against the regal authority , by their am- 
bition and their intrigues several of the English 
monarchs were made to tremble on the throne. 

Edward IV. when Duke of York, resided in 
this Castle : it was given by King James I. to 
Thomas Harley, Esq. of Bramptou Brian. This 
gentleman was grandfather to the Lord Treasu- 
rer of that name, from whom it has descended 
to its present possessor, the Earl of Oxford. 

On the hills west of the Castle were two 
Parks, now ploughed up and cultivated. 

Wigmore Church is a spacious building, the 
walls of ^which are of an apparently artificial 
compound, cast in moulds, and of a porous tex- 
ture, similar to pumice stone. The Abbey is 
said to have been founded by Hugh Mortimer, 
in the year 1179, for Augustine Monks. It was 
dedicated to St. James. At the dissolution this 
religious house shared the fate of those whose 
very walls were demolished. 

Some time ago there was found among the 
ruins of the Abbey Church a leaden coffin, which 
contained a human body apparently perfect in 
its form, but which, on exposure to the air, 
crumbled to dust. There were buried in this 
Church eight descendants of Hugh Mortimer, 
^ye of whom were Earls of March. At the old 



OOWNTON CASTLE. 285 

farm house, called now the Abbey Grange, there 
used to be shown a fair canopy of wainscot, 
under whiqh the Abbot used to sit : it was in a 
large room called the Abbot's council chamber. 
The i^rms pf the Mortimer family also appeared 
over one of th^ chimney places ; and among the 
outbuiidiqgs is a public house said to have been 
the Abbot's prison. These buildings are now 
much altered. 

Two annual fairs are held at Wigmore, on the 
6th of May, and on the 5th of August. 

Five miles north-west from Ludlow is 

DOWNTON CASTtE, 

the property of T. A. Knight, Esq. which was 
erected under the direction of the late highly 
accomplished brother of its present possessor, 
between forty and fifty years ago. It is an ed- 
ifice of peculiar and externally irregular form : 
hut i^t^eroally every part is v^ry conveniently 
arrfjiged, without waste of space, its towers be- 
ing, as good taste and reason point out that such 
parts should he, large enough for human habita- 
tion. It stands upon a terrace on the north side 
of the river Teme, a^ad is eWvated about 100 feet 
^.boy.e that river^ towards which the ground grad- 
u^y fajyis. Upon the opposite side of the river, 
fise.the Bringewood hills, having their bases 
clothed with extensive groves of large timber in- 
termixed with pasture grounds. Towards the 
Q 



226 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

east the Titterstone Clee Hill rises very magnifi* 
cently over woods, making the scene from the 
terrace one of the most grand and beautiful in 
the islaad. 

The walks of Downton, which are well known, 
and much visited by travellers, extend to the 
west, following the course of the river which here 
occupies a deep ravine, that it appears to have 
worn during the lapse of ages. Upon the sides 
of this ravine the rocks have in places, where 
the texture has been firm, remained perpendicu- 
lar over the stream ; in other parts they have 
given way and fallen into the course of the river, 
and been carried away by its impetuosity. The 
ground consequently rises from each side of the 
river in very various and irregular forms ; and it 
is every where clothed ^ith timber; and the 
river, having a considerable descent and being 
confined within a narrow course, ripples over a 
succession of low falls. Much picturesque sce- 
nery is consequently presented, which varies as 
it is beheld from every successive point. The 
walks, which have been made at different eleva- 
tions along the sides of the ravine, have been con- 
ducted with much taste and art, though these 
will scarcely be seen by the careless observer; 
for the natural character of the place has been 
as much preserved as possible, and the direction 
of the walks appears at first view to have been 
regulated by a regard to convenience only. 



LEINTWABDINB. 227 

A select collection of paintings^ chiefly from 
old Masters, have lately heen put up, and the 
house much improved. 

About a mile from the Castle is the small 
Tillage of DowntoUy in the rural Cbyrchyard of 
which is the following beautiful epitaph*— 

Here moalderins in the cold embrace of death, 
What ODce wu elegance and beauty lies: 
Mute is the music of her tuneful breath. 
And quenched the radiance of her sparltling eyes. 
A prey to lingering malady she fell, 
Ere yet her form lud lost its vernal bloom. 
Her virtues misery oft relieved may tell; 
The rest let silent charity eutnmb. 
Nor suffer busy unrelenting zeal. 
E'en here her gentle frailties to pursue : 
Let envy turn from what it cannot feel. 
And malice reverence vthat it never knew : 
But should the justice of the good and wise 
Condemn her faults, with judgment too severe,^ 
Let mild eyed pitvfrom the heart arue. 
And blot the rigia sentence with a tear. 

Died March 6, A. D. 1705, aged 21 yean artd 8 qytalhs. 
LEINTWABDINB, 

is pleasantly situated on the banks of the river • 
Teme, eight miles from Ludlow, on the road 
to Knighton. It lies near the confluence of the 
Teme and Clun ; and from the quantity of fine 
fish, particularly Trout and Greyling, in the 
surrounding streams, is much resorted to by 
company from very distant parts, as a fashion- 
able fishing place. It is but a small town, con- 
sisting principally of one long street. The 
Church, which is large, is dedicated to the Bles< 
sed Virgin, and was appropriated to the Abbey 
of Wigmorc. Mr. Silas Taylor, in his MS. in- 
forms us that this Church was remarkable for 



HISTOKT OF LUDLOW. 

staioed glass ; and there are still many fine 
pieces remaining, with crowns, lions, fteur de 
lis, the arms of Mortimer, &c. 

Ten miles from Ludlow, on the Knighton 
mad, is 

BRAMPTON BRIAN, 

so called from the Castle built by Bryan de 
Brampton, a powerful Norman Lord. The 
Bramptons held this Lordship till the reign of 
Edward L when Margaret, a coheiress, convey- 
ed it to the present family of the Earl of Oxford, 
by marriage with Robert de Harley. The Cas- 
tle, a building of great antiquity, continued the 
principal seat of the Harleys to the time of the 
civil wars of Charles L when it twice sustained 
the attacks of the king's forces, aind Was ulti- 
mately demolished. A curious chimney, rising 
like a turret above the curtain, and a staircase 
are tolerably perfect, but the other parts of the 
building are destroyed. The church has been 
imperfectly repaired in those parts which were 
damaged by the siege : it is closely attached to 
the ruined Keep of the Castle. In the south wall 
is an altar tomb, on which is extended the eiiigy 
of a lady unknown. Above this is a marble tablet 
iu memory of Robert Harley, first Earl of Oxford. 
In the village is the family mansion of the Har- 
leys, a handsome brick building ; and to the west 
is the park, nearly six miles in circumference. 
. A short distance from Bramptbn Brian is 



SIBBON CASTLE. 229 

STANA6B PARK, 

the seat of Edward Rogers, Esq. M.P. Tlie 
hoase is a noble modern edifice, surrounded by 
a park and pleasure grounds. 

We next come to the much admired village of 

CLUl<16UNFORD, 

where the seat and park of the Rev. J. Rocke, 
stand preeminent. Proceeding northward we 
arrive at 

SIBDON CASTLE, 

a large and pleasant mansion, belonghig to 
James Fleming Baxter, Esq. near to which is the 
Church. Lord Littleton, in his letters, observes 
on visiting Sibdon, " we came to a Gentleman's 
House on the side of a hill, opening to a sweet 
valley, which seemed to be built in a taste much 
superior to that of a mere country Squire. We 
therefore stopt and desired to see it ; which cu^ 
riosity was well paid ibr : we found it the neatest 
and best house of a moderate size that we ever 
ftaw. The master it seems was bred to the Law, 
but quitted the profession about fifteen years 
ago, akid retired into the country upon an estate 
of £500 per annttm : (or as the original MS. re- 
lates £1600 per annum) with a vMife and four 
children ; notwithstanding which encumbrances 
he found means to fit up the house, in the mau- 
ner we saw it, with remarkable elegance, and to 
plant all the hills about him with groves aud 
clumps of trees, that, together with an admirable 



230 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

prospect seen from it, renders it a place which a 
monarch might envy. But to let you see how 
▼ulgar minds value such improvements, I must 
tell you an answer made by our guide, who was 
servant to Lord Powis*8 Steward, and spoke, I 
presume the sense of his master ; upon our ex- 
pressing some wonder that this gentleman had 
been able to do so much with so small a for- 
tune ;— ''I do not,'* said he, ''know how it is, but he 
is always doing some nonsense or another." 

This place has been justly celebrated, as 
commanding an extensive prospect over a sin- 
gularly interesting tract of country ; wood- 
crowned hills, fruitful vales, venerable ruins; 
the humble cottage of the labourer, and the 
stately mansion of the opulent, diversify the 
scene ; which is rendered yet more attractive 
by the wild grandeur of the Cambrian hills. 

About eight miles from Ludlow is 

MARLOW, 

a handsome country house belonging to R. Lit- 
tlehales, Esq. 

In the parish of Leintwardine is 

HEATH HOUSE, 

a genteel seat, placed rather in a low situation, 
near the banks of the Clun ; it has a small park 
in front. In 1685 it belonged to Mr. J. Ed- 
wards, afterwards Sir J, Eldwards, who beauti- 
fied and enlarged it. It afterwards came into 
the family of the Beales, in which it still con- 



HOPTON CASTLB. 231 

tinues. At some distance towards the north is 

HOPTON CASTLE, 

the ruins of which, though now small, indicate 
it to have been formerly a strong place. , It is 

DOW the property of the proprietor of Heath 
House. In the civil wars of Charles I. it be- 
longed to Mr. Wallop, under whom it was gal- 
lantly defended for the Parliament; the siege 
lasted a fortnight, and the besieged, after re 
signing themselves up to the mercy of Sir Mi- 
chael Woodhouse, were all stripped naked and 
inhumanly murdered, except the Governor, 
Samuel More, Esq. who was detained as a 
common prisoner in Ludlow Castle.* Sir Wal- 
ter de Hopton was the head of the family de- 

* Siege of Hopton Castle, from the maniucript of Colonel More. 

*'I went to Hopton Cattle February 18, aud on tlieSSth the enemy 
approached and burnt part of the out walls. They then attempt- 
ed to scale the walls, but we drove them awHy, and killed three. 
Mr. Sutton then came to require tlie delivery of the Ca>lle; and I sent 
'word I understood no message without sound uf drum or trumpet; ho 
then sent word he had taken my son, but it proved to be Robin Mil. 
ward they took for him. The Friday following their 6rst attempt they 
retreated, but kept courts of guard, with horse and foot. At this time 
we were only 16 men. myself and Major rhillips included ; Major 
Phillips came on the Tuesday after my arrival, to assist in directing the 
works on which all hands were industriously engaged. By his advice 
we sent to firomptou Castle for more men, and they lovingly sent 12, 
who meeting wiih the enemy, only 6 of them came to us ; but after- 
wards we had 8 more, so we were in all 31 men. Except some aUrms 
in the nights we were not attacked till six days after the first assault: 
they then entered the town with 500 horse and foot, and 8ir Michael 
Woodhouse sedt a summons with a drum, demanding theCastle in the 
name of Prince Rupert ; ofTeriug to send hostages if we would treat. 
-My answer was that I kept it for the King and Parliament, by consent 
of Mr. Wallop, the owner. Two hours before day theyapproached the 
walls, burnt Richard Steward's chamber, and with Pioneers made a 
breach bel:ind a chimney, which the centinels discovering gave the 
alarm, and there we fought at push of pike, throwing stones and shout- 
ing. The enemy, as we afterwards learned, were 200 strong, many of 
them got through the breach, but not within oar worki^ l>at as in a 
pinfold In the circomfeieBca of their bomt lodging, where we killed 



332 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

riviDg its surname from this place; he was 
under Sheriff of the county ip 1268^ in 1275 was 



BMDyi among wbom was Onptain Vaughan, who wai bruther in law to 
Mr Edwards of Strettoo; there we repulsed them, and took 6 muskets, 
10 pikes, 8 clubs which they called roundheads, boards many, and 6 or 
8 laddtft. After this repulse they marched in a body to CluD$unfoid, 
but kept scouts and courts of guard at a distauce a little beyond musket 
shot, and we were quiet almost a week except for some alarms: theu 
they returned in full body and entered the town ; the day following 
Mr. Fmu. Herberl and Mr. Charles Baldwyu desired to speak with me, 
to which I yielded consent on mutual assurance of safety ; but took 
one faithful man with me, named Richard firecknoke, who was witiiin 
hearing, and so were many of their side, particularly Captain Pindor; 
their wish was to persaade me to deliver up the Castle, with probable 
hopes I mi|;ht live with my wife and enjoy my estate T answered, it 
was not like ao honest man to betray a trust, but for my part would 
leave it to them that trusted me ) and if I might live with a safe con- 
science at home I should be glad of it. So this w^ not hearkened to 
I parted with them, bein« told from Secretary Nichols by CaptaJn Pin- 
dor of the Scotts defeat, I toM him 1 knew the Seovtar^ well, and this 
saved mv life; this was Saturday, and next day came in n carriage uf 
cannon iMsket, and in the night 8 pieces of ordnance ; ou Monday at 8 
o'clock a drum summoned the delivery of the Castle, which if we did 
■otyidd before the shooting of one piece of ordnance, we must notex- 
pect Quarter. Our answer was that we were trusted to keep it, and 
wonla do it with loyalty and fidelity: on receiving^ oiir answer they 
shot f^ us, and contmned with culverin and demy culverin from 
o'clock till 5; they shot 90 shots at our outwaUs, and made a breach, 
but we laboured to prevent their entry, aiid piled up ourth and boughs 
of trees. About 5 they approached the breach, which we defended for 
the space of 2 houry at least, with pike** muskets aud clubs, and gave 
them a repulse, with the loss of one man, killed with a cannon Uiot, 
and 3 or 4 hurt ; but they lost in all 150, or as some say 200. Next day 
they desired to fetch their dead, to which we yielded, and they were 
quiet all Tuesday till night; wbeu they came to the brick tower we 
bad made the first week we came, and set it on fire, which when we 
saw, and could not prevent, we set Gregr>ry*s house on fire, which bur- 
ning, took hold on the pew brick dwelling bouse and burnt it Then 
we fell to make up the door of the Castle^ which the enemy perceiviqg, 
shot their ordnance and killed 1 man and hurt '2, We piade up the 
door, but they brought broom fsggots, jipd though we threw water and 
did all we could, yet the porch burnt and the door began to fire, and 
our men, weary with working all night, and not having been out of 
their clothes fluring a forti^ightj, and tbeeuemy gotten under us through 
a house of office on the south ude, it was moved we should desire a par- 
lev; on which we were desired to send our conditions: which Mr. 
Phillips and I did< to) this effect. T^at we would surrender the Ca»tle, 
so we mi^ht march away with our anny and ammunition. They deni- 
ed we should have any conditions, but to yield to the Colonel's mercy : 
consulting together wa found so qauch stuff with provisions in the room 
below, (the Oistle consisting of 1 room below and one above) that we 
had no chance to countermine; and our stairs were made up, being close 
to the door where the bi^rricado was, and having removed Mr. Grej^o- 



HOPTON GASTI.B. 239 

ai^poiBted EHiroa of the Exebequer, tod was 
afterwards ooe of the Justices itioeraflrt. He was 
one of the Judges into whose conduct Ed wat d !• 



rfn ita£ m plaltly hMr^tlMBi woriiiiiK wadn m, andat I wn told^ 
wjB should have been blown np in 2 houn. We agreed tA yield, ou 
qmiter for enr Uvea Anewevy no other conditioa ttuui to be nfenidr 
to Colonel Woodhooee*! mercy. After consolting, it was judged better 
to-yieldtfauibebloiiatnp; hat indeed ire only thongbl to bo made 
prieonen^ not believing lo many honest souls would meet such a death 
■»fidlo«ad» so we told them w* would yleU to their meiey, only deal- 
ling a afe conduct to the commanderB in chief. S». we came out and 
Bteodinoideii& I was eommitledta Lieut Aldtney, and Major Phillip* 
to Ensign Phillips. So whilst the soldien and Henry Gr^ory had 
tikeir arm* tjFcd, we all stayed, and llien we were bidden /nart^h. So I 
'went, and thinking the rest followed, but having passed* over the watbr 
by Haehard Steward's house, toward Mr. Sntton% house, I looked back 
and marvelled to see none follow : but supposed they were to be exam- 
ined apaiti.and understood they were ktayed behind. When brought 
before Sir Michael Woodhouse.was asked the number of men, with 
arms and ammunition; 1 told him about S2 muAets, carblnesand fow« 
ling pieces, and 3 pistols. He asked what we fought fort I t(4d him we 
thought he, as many other men- were misled. So he commanded me 
to the custody of Lieut. Aldeney, to one Glasebrotfk's house in the np* 
per end of the town, where, after thad been about an hour, an oMcer 
asked what money I knew of there hid ; I told him none. Hesaid Mc. 
Fhilllpsconfeased to some. After some threatenings he went. Anoth- 
er came and asked wbetho' I desiredte Hvet 1 answcied, it wet m^viul 
to do so, but did not prize 4ife above a rood conscience. It was about 
3 hours after thedelivery of theCsstle, Lieut- Aldeiae«asked how many 
of the soldiers I thought were gone to Shrewsbury.? I told him I knew 
not, he told me none. On which I, sappciring they were ddiveted* 
was somewhat cheerful; he then told me with an oath, they were all 
kjUed; whersait t was troubled- in mynll but soamiiMitmdiivmy 
emetion, said 1 hoped they were happy. Night coming on, I was caU* 
ed toeat with U»Iiieut. who need me civilly, batleat lltlte; hi then 
let me lie on his own bed tiU day break, when 1 was convey*^ to Lud<- 
low« where I rsmidned a duae prisoner till thetakingoeBroapten 
Ga^e, yet my wife was allowed to visit me whilst an officer stood by. 
OaptehiDean^cf Sir MIdiael Woodhouse^s^^ment, eam^to penaatU 
me to write a letter to persuade the besieged in Brompton Castle to save 
themsdveaby-attmely amrrandmr, assuring ne thi^lliey had muchr 
bettered the Osstle, and were ready to spring a mine. So I wrote to 
Mr. Wright that I heard Bimnpton Cutle was noilikely to hek) out 
long, andconditiona were better granted timely^ thanstagi too long, but. 
I left it to his more wise consideration. He apfprered me that helieard 
SirM.Woodhouse.tjnkehif conditions with mei^ protmisinff, quartcr- 
and. giving none, and he would not treat with him. t replied we were 
reffrred to his mercy; so th^n they treated, and I hope bloodshed .wps 
hiodered' After this I had leave to speak to the jffiopla of the house, 
and so continued till my exchange : only Mr. SymmoQs, a minister of 
"BmtBx, whn was Si^ M. Weodhouse'sChapUan» gotme iomnch liberty- 



284 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

instituted an inquiry, and liis fine on that occa- 
sion was £30,000. Spelman gives the following 
account of this affair : — '*In the year L290, 18 
of Ed. I. all the Justices of England were appre- 
hended for corruption, except John Mettingham 
and Elias Bleckingham (whom I name for their 
honour), and by judgment of Parliament con- 
demned, some to imprisonment, others banish- 
ment or confiscation of their estates, none es- 
caped without grievous fines and the loss of their 
offices." It was at this period that the slavish 
service of Villeinage began to be gradually abol- 
ished. One Roger Brun had resided within the 
liberty of Shrewsbury ten years ; at the end of 
which period Walter de Hopton, claiming him 
as his native (that is Villein bom), violently en- 
tered the said liberty, and seized and imprison- 
ed him in his Castle of Hopton : but the Com- 
munity of Shrewsbury sued Hopton for breach 
of peace ; and grounding their action on the law 
of the then king, Ed. I. gained a victory over 
this powerful Baron and eminent lawyer, evin- 
cing the probity of Edward's Judges, and estab- 
lished a precedent in favour of this degraded 

as to go to the Chapel In the Cartle 2 Sabbath dajt ; otherwiie I was 
not permitted to go out of the Lodge." 

In a letter to Bfr. Phillips* sister, the foUowiogoccmv— '*He» as all 
the rest, wcre^nmercifally killed. . Your brother offered £S0 to save 
hfs life ; they brought him into the Castle to receive the money, and 
hereqaestedthem to send to Brompton Gastle, they would have it, 
liut tney swore at him and stabbed him presently. All the rest, befog 
9S, were killed with dubs and such things, alter they were stripped 
naked. Two maids they stripped to their smocks m. cut them, rat ' 
some helped them to escape.*^ 



STOKE CA8TLS. 235 

class of EDgUshmeiiy which iii process of time 
led to their complete emancipation. 

A little to the south-east of Sibdon Castle is 

STOKB CASTLB, 

improperly indeed called a Cintle, but consti- 
tuting a curious specimen of tlie castellated 
mansion of former days. It has suffered a de- 
gradation not uncommon to places of ancient 
note ; part of it being used as an out-house to 
an adjoining fiirm, and the rest allowed to fall 
into decav, 

A gate-house constructed of wooden frame- 
work» with curious carvings^ leads to a quad- 
rangular court, on one side of which are re- 
mains of the rampart, and the other sides are 
occupied by the house, the offices and the tower; 
the whole building is moated round* The hall 
and tower are opposite to the gate-house, which 
exhibit in their ruins, striking traces of beauty 
and gmndeur. The hall measures 64 by 32. ft. 
the entrance from the court is by a door- way 
with a pointed arch ; the lofty windows of this 
spacious room are divided by single muUions, 
the heads pointed and filled with plain circles. 
There is no vestige of a fire place, the ancient 
mode of warming apartments of this description 
being by a reredoss, or brazier, filled with burn- 
ing charcoal, and placed in the centre; the 
smoke arising from this domestic apparatus has 
completely blackened the wood work. At one 



S9P HKTPRT OF LPPLOW. 

end U tb« gallery for jtbe mips^rels Qp days of 
rejoicing, under which is a door leading to |h< 
bntiery. The high table was on the oppqsite 
southern side of the roon). A plain low porch 
of wood and plaister leads ftom the soufb-reaal 
angle by a staircase to the great (chamber, or 
nHbdrawing room, which measures 39 by 19 ft. 
Aft wainscot is of oak, with intermediate omar 
mental pilasters. The chimney-piece i% i^My 
carved in wood, with busts qf tight-laced ladiea 

and whiskered knights, surrounded by. embosr 
sed shields and foliage. This apartment is con- 
jectured to have been newly fitted up about the 
end of the siiteeatb century. The tower* wl^icb 
is of a singular form, rises from the south-.west 
pomes of the eourt. It is an irregular polygoR, 
which, by its receding angles, produces a rp- 
mantic and pleafing effect. It is ia%» and 
crowned with an embattled parapet; the ground 
Aoqr is a }qw gloomy apartment, lighted by four 
9maU panted wiudows* and the two upper stor 
Ci^s are divided iqto tery small rooms. There 
19 a^O the ground story of a square tower, wi^ 
numerous si^jiall rooms, in which i^re the re- 
mai9« ^ ancient nisorkmanship. 

Il^is mansion was garrisoned for. Charles I, 
and occupied by forces commanded by Panvers, 
who served under Sir Michael Woodhouse, Go- 
?erpor of Ludlow ; and Sir William Croft fell 
here, in a rencounter with the Parliamentary 



VBRNET HJLLL. 237 

forces, on the 9ih of Jtibey 1(145. Stoke Castle 
w«8 inUiibited id 1(^9 by Sir Samuel Baldwyn, 
Sergeant at Law, and a descendant of the same 
faniily now holds this place, on a lease froin 
Earl CraTen. 

Neat Stoke Castle, on the road to Lndlow, is 
th« pleasaiit Village of 

ONIBtTKY, 

Interesting by iis niral Church overshadowed 
with ity, dnd the btenty 6f its surrounding sce« 
nery. A aichdol was established here in 1509 
by Mi-. William Norton, wlio bequeathed to it 
£6:6:8 yearly, iHrfaich, With an addition frbm 
the parish fdnds, it adVaifced to £13. The 
Rector faa& also added a convenient house and 
garden* The Scholars are taught reading, wri- 
tmg land arithmetic, and thie school is free for 
all who ap^ly« 

Aboui kntt milet frbm iAdlow, near thi$ 
Idhrewsbionry Koad^r is 

Sro^B HOUSB, 

die oceariolial reindence of €kk Earl of Poilirid. 

FBi^NBT i^aIl, 
belonging Id Mrsr. Si^Well, and now occupied b]f 
G^end Ltoyd, m placed on ati eminence, and 
cobmaAds a fiM ext^sive view towards tfaift 
east, iimtudingr Oafeley Park, kntS the TowA 
and Castle of Ludlow, with the Clee HiHs, and 
6ikei disttiAi obj^ts. 



238 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

BROMFISLD 

18 a Village two miles from Ladlow, in the vici- 
nity, and partaking of the rural elegance of 
Oakley Park. This place was formerly distin- 
guished by its Priory, which is understood to 
have been situated near, or adjoining to, the 
present Church. The establishment here in the 
time of Henry I. abput the year 1100, consisted 
of a small College of Prebendaries, or secular 
Canons. Osbertus, Prior of Bromfield, is wit- 
ness to a deed before the year 1148 ; and Henry 
II. granted to this Priory his Church in Brom- 
field, which was dedicated to ,the blessed Saint 
Mary, with his royal licence,, and protection of 
their extensive possessions of the towns. and 
lands of Haverford, Dinchope, Efford, felton^ 
Burghey, and Lethewic; three Prebends in 
Bromfield and three in Halton ; and by another 
Charter he confirms to them their Hays and 
Liberties in Mocktree wood, Ailriche*s wood, 
Kanewood, Dinchope and Esrugge, to wit, firom 
Eilfichway to Ludford along the Rudgeway ; to 
hold to them, with all liberties to free Hays be- 
longing, &c« In these Charters the folk>wing 
names occur, — ^**Frtthericus Clericus de Bure- 
ford, Robertus Cdeman de Pontesbury, Edrick's 
Presbiter de Bromfield, Robert's Presbiter de 
Felthune." 

In the year 1166, the second of Henry II. the 
Prior and Brothers of the Priory of Bromfield, 



BROMFIELD. 239 

placed themselves under the government of the 
Benedictine Monastry near Gloucester^ called 
Lanthony Secunda, and became Benedictines, 
and continued so to the time of the general 
dissolution. 

At the Assizes of Salop, 20th. Edward I. the 
Prior of Bromfield claimed free warren, in the 
manor of Bromfield, by Charter of Henry II. 
vrhich was allowed. The said Charter compri- 
sed also a grant of Infangthef, and a jury found 
.one Henry de la Chapele guilty of theft, who 
was tried and condemned by the Prior, and 
hanged in Bromfield. 

This Priory was dedicated to the Virgin Ma- 
ry, and valued at the dissolution at £78 : 19 : 4* 
Jt was granted to Charles Foxe, fourth of Phillip 
vand Mary ; and Sir Charles Foxe sold it in the 
seventh of James I. to Richard Tomlines, Gent, 
from whom it afterwards passed to the ancestor 
of the present Earl of Powis. The Living of 
Bromfield is now a Vicarage, rated in the king^s 
books at £6; patron, the Hon. R. H. Clive. 
The Court of Augmentation, decreed the Vicar 
•of Bromfield a yearly pension from the dissolved 
Monajitry of Gloucester ; and there are, in vel- 
lum books, in the king's remembrancer's office, 
accounts of several decrees, relating to the posf^ 
sessions of the Priory, and the rights of the 
•Vicar of this place. 



240 HISTORY or UTDLOW. 

OAKLBY PARK, 

the noble seat of the Hon. Hcbtst Henry 
M*P. is delightfully sitnated on the banks of tlie 
Teme. This gentleman mirriad Lady Harriet^ 
daughter of the Earl of Plymouth. The fiunily 
of Clive has been resident in Sbn^eUre ficoin the 
time of Henry IL James Ciive £nq. of Huxley 
married the daughter and heiress of Thomas 
Styche, Esq. of Styche, and liYed till the latter 
part of the reign of Henry VH. Us son Richard 
Olive was Member of Parliamentlbr Montgomery, 
and was the father of Robert Lord CliYe, who was 
bom in 1725 at the old family seat of Styche, 
and who for extraordinary services in India was 
created Lord Clive of Plassey in the county of 
Clare in Ireland « His Lordshq/s eldest son Ed- 
ward, the second Lord Clive, was advanced to 
dM Peerage by the titles of Lord Clive of Wal* 
coty Earl Powis, Viscount Clive of Ludlow, Lord 
Herbert of Cherbury, and Lord Powis of Powis 
Castle. He married Henrietta Antonia daughter 
of Henry Arthur Earl of Pomi, aaid i^ter and 
heiress of George Edward Henry Arthur, the 
last of the Une of Herbert, EaHofPoWis. The 
gieater part of the manmn is of modem con- 
struction, and extensive improvements have been 
made by the present possessor; its sp a ni i ni 
library is enriched with dioice and vahmbk 
books ; the drawing room, mnsaepm, and hiC- 
ard room are fitted up with elegance and taste ; 



OAftLfiY t»ARK. 341 

and the columns of the gallery are of fine mar- 
ble, supporting an entablature the^friese of which 
is designed from the celebrated Phigalian Mar- 
bles. 

The surrounding grounds are romantic and 
beautiful, and the plantations near the house 
laid out with taste and judgment^ to the pleasing 
variety of which, the meanderings of the river 
add very considerably. There are many fine 
views in different directions ; particularly that 
toward the ^outh-east, presenting a distant pros- 
pect of Ludlow Castle. 

The park, which formerly contained nine hun- 
dred acres, and is supposed to have included 
within its circuit the priory to which it originally 
belonged, is yet very extensive. It is finely ai- 
domed with groves of some of the stateliest oaks 
in the kingdom, lying promiscuonsly in woods 
and clumps, and on the sides of the river« 

The Lordship of Bromfield is coextensive with 
the parish, and its Cfai^lry of Halford and Din- 
chope, and the township of Ledwich ; on the 
south it is boimded by Herefoidsfaire ; on the 
west by the parish of Onibnry ; on the north by 
Stanton Lacy ; and on the east by the town of 
Ladlow, to the walls of which it adJMUS* 

Tbrongh this manor flow the rivers Tcme, 
Oaey, and Corve ; the former HirMgh the pask 
and beside the hovse^ Oke otbcrs passing into k 
in die immediale vicinity. These are esteemed 



242 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

the best fishing streams in the kingdom ; and 
the woods and lands afford hares, pheasants, 
partridges, wild ducks, and game of all kinds in 
abundance. 

STANTON LACY tfOUSB. 

This elegant mansion has been enlarged and 
modernized, and tasteful and judicious embel- 
lishments introduced in the extensive gardens, 
by the present proprietor, J. H. Holder, Esq. 

BRICK HOUSE^ 

at present occupied by Mr. Urwick, vvho has 
established a respectable School in this pleasant 
and healthy situation. 

STANTON LAGT 

is two miles firom Ludlow beyond the Race 
Ground. Part of this village, with Langley, 
Rockele (now Rockley), &c. formerly belonged 
to the Monastry of Lanthony. 

In the year 1814 Richard Nash, Esq. of Lud- 
low, bequeathed £100 to the poor of this parish, 
the interest of which is distributed on Christmas 
'Day annually ; and an excellent Benefit Society 
•has lately been established under the auspices 
of J. H. Holder, Esq. for the purpose of raising, 
from time to time, by subscription of the several 
members thereof, and by voluntary contributioDS, 
a fund for tBe relief and support of the members 
in old age, sickness, and infirmity. In this pa- 
rish, on the hill below Hayton's Bent, a number 
of small houses constitute the sylvan hamlet of 



]>OWNTON HALL. 243 

Hope : the water which fonns the rivulet falling 
from this elevation, in its passage through rocks, 
becomes strongly impregnated with carbonate 
of lime, and is found to possess the property of 
forming petrifactions. 

Leaving Stanton Lady, we successively arrive 
at the village of Culmington at the distance of 
four miles, Seifton five, Corfton six, and 

DSLBITRT, 

the rural seat of the Bishop of Worcester, 
seven miles from Ludlow. Returning towards 
the Clee Hill, we perceive 

DOWNTON HALL, 

the seat of Sir William Edward Rouse Boughton, 
Bart, which stands on elevated ground, surround- 
ed by extensive plantations. Sir William suc- 
ceeded to the tiUe on the demise of his fother, 
26th Feb. 1821. He married Chariotte, the 
youngest daughter of Thomas Andrew Knight, 
Esq. of DowntoQ Castle. Hall of Downton (by 
whom the estate came) descended from Sir David 
Hall, ancestor of the chronicler of that name. Sir 
David is styled — of Rinnersly, and his grandson 
— ofNorthall, both in Shropshire. Sir David 
was of great lineage, fifth in descent from Fred- 
eric, a natural son of Albert, second Emperor of 
Germany of the House of Hapsburgh. Frederic 
was denominated van Hall, from the town in the 
Tyrol where he was bom ; he b said to have 
been slain in battle at the age of M. Downton 



t44 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

Hall is about three mikes north-east ftom Lud* 
lo#. At the bottom of the hill is 

HBNLBT HALL, 

the fesideiica of the Rev« S. Johoes Kaight. It 
is a large brick building, two niiles from Ludlow^ 
OB the Cleobnry road. On the soath front ex- 
tends a well flooded parii, with walks and plan- 
tations. The river Ledwich passes close by the 
house. At a short distance is 

BlTTBHtBY C6URT, 

belonging to the Rev. J. Widcot^ at the foot of 
the Clee Hill; above whieh^ the Tltterstone, 
rising on the north-«as^ forms a grand and pro- 
minent object, ahd the piospeet toward Ln^ov^^ 
over a rich and weH-caMvated tract 6f cmmtry, 
is highly pleading. Near the house is the 
.Chlur^^ in which ate found ttotids of variows 
charities s tiwt of Sergeait Powii^ alterwaMa 
Judge Powis* Who bequeathed £50; of Mr. 
Richard Page^ 6( Park HaD^ who b^qneaOed 
^10 } and of Mr^. Ana Sheppard of Middleton, 
who bequeaAed to the poot of Bitterley the 
sum of JUM* In the a^inin^ pleasant aiid 
healthy ViUageb 

BITTBBLnY SCHOOL, 

where^ Bod«r the sttperittteadaBc^ of Mr. Jaaies 
Gieen, a lihnited nnttber of 66afAers aie com-* 
foftably acoommodated, and wdH edocated in 
the different braBChea of » dasaical, commer- 
cial^ and pdile ediioati6n^ on mAderaie tema; 



VITTPJILBY SCHOOI,. 94ft 

Frpqi Ibe ps^riah recqrdp we fiod this school ha» 
be^n fouii^^f] upwOttds of one buiidrecl ye»rs, a* 
the following extract taken from the parish 
books wUI prove; — ''The s^d school being by 
diied settled for the use apd benefit of the pa-t 
lishf one Mr, Humphrey Butler wi^s fisst elected 
schoplma^tter there hy 9 great majoirity of voicea 
of the fiiaid parish thi^t pay to church i^pd poor, 
pupsuiint tp said deed* upon EAfiitec Tuesday^ 
being the 7th of April, 1713.'' The original 
endowment WM fof the instruction of the parish 
children, for which the minster has a covmodi- 
9n« house* wilh garden, play-ground, 4c. and 
alcio a weekly stipend from the parents of each 
child, according to the amount of their respec- 
tive rents. Mr« John Newhorough, head master 
of Eton School, by will dieted the IQjUi of Jan-i 
nary, lllft^ left ^40Q to pur^hiMEie. «n estate 
Vfor the ua^e, benefit, and mainteni^nce of the 
master fox the time being, for ever." With iC0M 
of this nioney an estate was bpnght, containing 
^A. IR* ^3[p. caUed UtUe. ?ertlv-y^hee» in <^ 
pariah of Kerry, Montiomeryshire. The huil^ 
diAga on this estate, being d^strojyed by fixe, 
£6a Vias| |;ivefli in. 177ft to the Rev. JL Attwood^ 
{then master) to febnild the same* of t|iie re- 
m^uning £M no, account can bis obtained^ llbof 
appointment of the master is f»6U4 ia ^he pa^ 
riahioners who pay to church and poor.^ The! 
good manageBaent an4 M^i^tiiooi of the present 



246 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

master, (who was elected in October 1823,) has 
given general satisfaction, and the school is ex- 
tensively patronised. 

THE TITTBRSTONE CLE! HILL, 

is five miles from Ludlow, and rises to the 
height of 1800 feet The summit of it, on which 
was formerly a Roman Camp, affords very ex- 
tensive prospects on every side, bounded by 
different ranges of distant hills, so that on a 
clear day no less than thirteen or fourteen coun- 
ties are to be seen with the naked eye ; but the 
sides (as Lord Littleton observes) are more diffi- 
cult to pass than almost any of the Welsh hills, 
being covered with loose stones, or rather with 
pieces of rocks, which from thdr extraordinary 
magnitude must have required an immense force 
to throw in the different directions in which we 
find them scattered. The extreme point, called 
Titterstone, which comprehends a space of 
nearly an acre and half of ground, is supposed 
to have been formed by a volcano, the ragged 
exterior of this hill, is compensated by the great 
quantity of coal and iron-stone found within it ; 
with the former of which, of a very excellent 
quality, the surrounding country is supplied. 

The Collieries are chiefly on the south, and 
north-east sides of the Clee Hill, and in sinking 
the deepest pit on the first of these, the follow- 
ing strata occur. — Earth, sandstone*rock, and 
basalt,. called jewstone, 75 yards; sandstone- 



I 
COURT OF HILL. 247- 

rocky bind, cluBch, and coal-roof, 23 yards ; the 
great coal, 2 yards ; coal-bottom and ironstone- 
roof, 1 yd. 1 ft. ironstone 1 yd. 6 in. three-quar* 
ters coal, 1 ft. 6 in. dumper, 2 yds. smith's coal, 
1 yd. 2 ft. smith's coal-bottom, down to the four 
feet coal-rock, 2 ft. in all 107 yds. 1 ft. The 
pits on the Knowbury side of the hill are con- 
siderably deeper, two of which are more than 
200 yards : on this side, the stratum of basalt 
does not occur. 
^ Opposite the north-east side of the Clee Hill, is 

HOPTON COURT, 

the seat of T. Botfield, Esq. near which is the 
Tillage of Hopton Wafers ; remarkable as giving 
a singular instance of longevity in William Hyde, 
who residing here, lived to the advanced age of 
106 years. He enjoyed health and activity 
nearly to the last, and had sons' upwards of 80 
years old at the time of his decease in 1708. 

The celebrated William Henry West Betty, 
arose from this obscure village.; beginning his 
career at eleven years of age ; and performmg to 
crowded theatres with singular success. 

To the soutb of the Clee Hill, is 

COURT OF HILL, 

an ancient family mansion, lately occupied by 
J. Fowler, Esq. and in the same neighbourhood, 
near the vilhge of Hope Bagot, we arrive at the 
antique mansion of 



HISTOBT OF LDDLOW. 



WHITTON COURT, 
wluch wu tbc seat of the CharkoD family pre- 
ti«iiB to th«tf occupatioB of Lndford. It ia a 
Ter;f inespcciraeaof wbtfttiacaUsd Queen Eliaa^^ 
beth'ft iXyle of ardiiteeture, Aoi^h it is supper- 
sed to iMve b«eii bviU by Sic Kobert ChaiUoa 
in the ewdy part ol tha uciga of Chartea 1. At 
present it ia only i«habited by a tenant t^ £. L. 
Cba^LtOD. Esq. tlwug^ it still Detaios. vesliges of 
its pristioft celebrii^,. having as exleosive-paik, 
round which thenc is a brick wrfl, and. a very 
fine drawbg room, hun^ to this day with the 
Xapc^ly. whiek in timas past probably bore 
witnpu to many an. entertainment that 

"£lu(d.wlU|H0U^ ud bnx'd wiibnlnrinlrr," 

Descending the hill we arrive at the scatteiedi 
village of Caynbam, ia which is 



THE SHEET. 249 

CAYNHAM COURT. 

three milei distant from Ludlow. This elegant 
mansion is the residence of Mrs. Calcott It is 
surrounded by plantations, shrubberies, and 
walks, and situated in a very pleasant district. 

On Caynham Camp is the site of an ancient 
castle, noticed by Leland, who says of it, ^'Kain- 
sham, or Kensham Castle, dene down, stood 
within two miles of Ludloe, on a hill top.** ''It 
belonged," says Camden, ''to the Mortimers, and 
the Church to Wigmore Abbey/' Two fields on 
the east side are vet called the Castle fields i and 
immediately below is another in which a deep 
and wide entrenchment occupies the principal 
part. Tradition says that this latter was a de- 
pository for horses and military stores during 
the siege of Ludlow Castle by Cromwell. On the 
top of the hill is a bank covered with trees and 
underwood, and encircling an open space con- 
sisting of six or seven acres. Around this there 
is a walk, with benches, opposite to which are 
openings commanding most delightful prospects, 
not only of the local beauties of the neighbour- 
hood of Ludlow, but of the Malvern Hills, Black 
Mountains in Brecknockshire, and other distant 
objects. One mile from Caynham is 

THE SHEET, 

a modem and pleasant edifice raised from the 
ruins of an old farm house, the property of 

s 



8M HISTORT or LUDLOW. 

Jfunes Eysam OraliBB, Esq. A little to the 

BOKth-weat u 

STRTEIITON COTTAGE, 

placed on the brow of an eminence overhanging 
the river Teme, and commanding ^ extensive 
prospect into Herefordshire to the left, and to 
the right presettting a view of the town of Lud- 
low. Tlui romantic secluded spot b part of the 
Steveaton demesne belonging to £. L. Charlton, 
E«|. 



BANK. MARKETS AND FAIRS, 

the going out and coming in of 

Mails, Stage Coaches, Waggons, &c. 



Messrs. Rock€, Eytoa & Co. who draw on 
Curtis and Co.'15, Lombard Street. 

The MaAet Day is on a Monday ; though 
there are idso inferior Markets on Wednesday, 
Friday and Saturday. The Fairs are seven in 
number ; Monday before February 13th, Tues- 
day before Easter, May ist, Wednesday in 
Whitsuntide week, August 21st, September 28th, 
and December 6th. 

FROM THE CROWN HOTBt, BROAD STREET. 

The London Royal Mail, through Worcester 
and Oxford, goes out every Morning at Eleven 
o'clock, (excepting Saturday at } before 11) and 
arrives from London every day at two in the 
Afternoon. Letters, &c. to go by this Mail 
must be put in the Post Office by 10 o'clock in 
the morning. 

The Chester and Hereford Royal Mail, through 
Shrewsbury, arrives every Morning from Here- 
ford at lO'i o'clock, and returns the same evening 
at half past 2. Letters for Shrewsbury and the 
north of England and Wales, must be put into 
the Post Office by 10 'clock in the morning ; and 
Letters for Hereford and South Wales, by 2 in 
the afternoon. 



262 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

The Royal Mail Coach, to Bishop's Castle, 
Montgomery, and Welsh Pool, every Evening at 
half past 2 o'clock, returns the following Mor- 
ning in time for the London Mail* 

FROM THE AN6EL INN, BROAD STREET* 

The Aurora Post Coach to London, through 
Tenbury, Worcester and Oxford, . comes in at 2 
o'clock, and goes out at half past 3 every day, 
Sunday excepted* 

WAGGONS, &c. 

Clewer's London Waggon, sets out from bis 
Warehouse in Corve Street, every Monday even- 
ing at 8 o'clock, and arrives at the George Inn, 
Smithfield, on Saturday Morning : sets out on 
return early on Sunday morning, and arrives 
here on the Friday evening following^ 

The Bishop's Castle Waggon goes out from 
this Warehouse every Saturday Morning, and 
returns on Monday. 

The Knighton Waggon goes out from this 
Warehouse every Saturday Morning, and returns 
on Monday. 

The Worcester Waggon goes from this Ware- 
bouse every Tuesday night and returns on 
Thursday evening. 

Maxon's Manchester Waggon starts from his 
Warehouse every Tuesday and Friday nights for 
Shrewsbury, Chester, and Manchester, and re- 
turns on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. 

This Waggon goes out every Monday and 



WAGGONS, &C. 253 

Thursday morniDgs to Leominster, with goods 

for Hereford, Brecknock, Monmouth, and all 

South Wales, and returns the same evening. 

Robinson's Worcester Waggon comes in on 
Monday morning, and returns the same evening. 

Woodbouse's Cart from Knighton comes in 
every Tuesday and Friday, and returns every 
Wednesday and Saturday mornings. 

Jones' Waggon to Knighton every Wednesday 
morning, and returns on Thursday night. 

Jones' Waggon to Birmingham every Friday 
morning, and returns on Monday morning. 

Thompson's Bewdley Waggon statts every 
Wednesday and Sunday at noon, and returns on 
Tuesday and Friday. 

Roberts' » Gig to Knighton every Monday, 
Wednesday, and Friday. 
' The Alert to Kidderminster, through Bewd- 
ley, every morning at seven o'clock. 

Cave's Carriage to Leominster every Monday 
evening at five o'clock. 

Eddowes' Shrewsbury Journal is brought here 
on Wednesday evening at seven o'clock. 

Watton's Shrewsbury Chronicle arrives on 
Friday night. 

Tymbs' Worcester Journal arrives on Thurs- 
day evening at seven o'clock. 

Holl's Worcester Herald arrives on Saturday 
evening at eight o'clock. 



LIST OF PLANTS, 

found IB the Neighbourhood of Ludlow, especi- 
ally such as are rare ; together with the Native 
GRASSES growiug in this district. 



ACDILLBiffpectetwiie, Tuvow 
•'«- Aconitam naptHw, llonk't Hoed. PeughnUi 
Adon moiGhtl«lUDt, Tabcfovs MoKb«tel JVearLudUw 
JEgopodiam jpodagnrw, Goot Wort. Castie waUc 
A|^«ogdaeiip»toria> Agrinumy. IHiem 
Agrartemawlitlmso, ComCodkk 
AffTOtia, HMciei var. BoatGnv 
Aim, id. HftirGMM 
AiuftfeplMi, ConvBKMi Busk 

ctumiapitji, Gcmuider 

AicbmUlamtKlriffttrrcyBfit, UdveiWn^ 

Alianu iMtanf, Floating Water Plaatain. JVeor T^tUmry 

plantago et diunaaoniiuii. Near lAtdlmo 
AUIum uitiniiiii. Wild Garlic. Ckiptthmm camp 
Alopeevnia piaiairtii M etdov Fo^all Gnpa 
Awiiallli arrenaia^ Scarlet Pimpernel 
Anemone nemoraaa, WoodAnemona 
Anthonnthnm odMatnm, Sweet acented Vernal Graaa 
AatiMMiii apodaa var. Cbunomik 
Anthyilia vuneiwit, liidy'a Finger 
Antinbinnm liuwlfl. Toad Flax 

■ ■ maj na. Great Snapdragon. In Frag lane 

c ymbaiaria. Ivy-leaved Snapdnfon. Lmdiow 
Artemiaiaabainthiom et ▼nlnria^ Wormwood and Mugwort. Ashford. 
Arando, apeeieavar. Beed lamdOarvg 

Aapemgo procnoibena, Trailing Catchweed. Junction of Tone 
Aaperaia oaoiata. Sweet Woodnoot WkUel^ cofptee 
Aaptenimn aooloprodiinm, Hart'a Tongae. Lndford 

cetaiach et tiloiomanea. OnwaUs in Ludi&Uf 
I <diiiiitniny nigrem, et mta moiaria. Ibidem 
Aatiagaloa^ apedea var. licpMtice yetcfa 
Atriplex, id. Orache 
Avena, id. Oat Gnaa 

fierberfavnlgaria. Barberry. WkUcUff 
Betonicaofficinalia, fietoQv, TkeBrimltM 
Bidena cemna. Water Agrimony. PougkniU 
«-— .4rfMrti«i, BnrMaiyflobl Askferd 
Borwoofficinale, Boiage. Near the C0stte Brtdge 
Braarica, apedea var. 
Brica media et minor. Cow qnakei 
Broma, apecioB var. Broom Graaa 
Bnonia dioica, Red berried Brtony 



LIST OF PLANTS. 266 

CMDMDiila rotundilblta* tiBcfaeUuiii, flt ptA^ BcH Flower. Near 

lAtdioWt an Caynham camp, ijffi, 
Ciidamine, ipccies ▼ur. 
Cbittcalla, id. Hm'ftFoot 
Centaara cjnnoM, Bh»t Bottle 

Cenrtlmn, id. MoweEar 

Chaerophyllnm, id. Chervil 

Chtta, id. Stonewort 

Cheinnthiis fraticuloMM, Wall-iovmr. Castle 

ChelkkmiHm majus, Great Celandine. Ludlow 

Chenopodiom bonue Henrkrae, Good Henry. Castle walk 

Chironla centaanim. Centuary. Caimham 

Chlora pcifoliata. Yellow-wort, Saltmare w^^ [«yo 

Chrjsanihenran leucantbemum et aapeteni) White and Yellow Ox« 

Chrytoeplenom opposnilollnm. Golden Saxifrage 

Cicnta^ron. Hemlock. Banks of the Teme 

Circna iQtetiana, Enchanter*8 Nightshade 

Clematis Titalba, TraTeller's Joy. LHnthal 

Cochkarlaarmoraeia, Hone Radish. Beside the Teme 

Colchicnm antamnaJe, Meadow Baffiron 

ConTolTolns, lepium et arvenjs» Bhid«eed 

Cotyledon umbilicns, NaTelwort Ludford 

Comanim palostre. Marsh Cinonefoil. Bedston and other places 

Cynogkasom oiRdnale, Honnd^s Ttmgae. Ludford 

tynoenms, species var. Dog's Tall Grass 

Cyperas, id. CypenisGrus 

Dactylis stricU et Glomerate, Cock's Foot Grsn 
Daphne meaeieua et Lanreola. WhUeUff coppUe 
Datnra stramonlnm. Cafuham 
Dentaria Imlbifera. eajmham camp 
Dianthnscarymhilas, ClovaPiak. Wails of the CastU 

4lettoides, Maiden Pink. Ludford 

Digitalis parpureSf Fox^otv 

pipeacns sylvestris etpilosost Teaacl 

Draba, species var. whitlow Grsn 

Diosera totundifiolia« Roond leafed Sundew. Aiione&mmon 

Echinm vnlgare, Vip«r Grass. Near Ludlow 

EUtinehydiopiecv. Small Walerwort ^^^^^5^ 

Bpilobium angastifoliom, hlrsntum, et species var. Willow Herb. 

Eqalsetum, species far. Hor8e.taiL Ibidem 

Erica, id. Heath 

Erigeronacre, Blae Flea-bane. On walls in Ludlow 

— — canadcnse, Ounda fka-baua. On the road to Capnham 

Erysimum; species far. 

Enpatortnm caanabinnm. Hemp Agrimony. Poughnill 

Bnphorbia, species far. 

InplnHUoadnalis, Byebright 

Festnca, species far. Feseue Grass. 
F^agaria sterllis et ffiea, Sttawbeiry 
Fomaria, species far. F^itoiy 

Galantfatts nifdla^ Snowdrop 
Galcobdolon Inteam, Yellow ArcbaDtel 
GaleopslB tctmhit, Hemp nettle. N^arLfidiow 



2M HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

Otleoprit vcnioolor, Bee Nettle, iiegnhmm eamtp 

ipCf if I ¥QI 

GeliBB,ld Groawoit [Vinim 

Oeniite kinctom, pilnM. et uiglk*. Broom, Btoomweed, and -P^ttj 
G«Dtiu» ■narella, Aatumnal Geiitini. Cmgnkametump 
Genainni hcidam, saogQineam, et •pedes var, Cnoe's bill. €2^tstte 

walk mnd neiigkbourkood of Ludlow 
Geiin nrbanam et rivale, Avene. Ibtdem 
OleclioiM liedemeei, Qfooadlvy 
GaeplialilUB, ipeciei w. Cudweed 

HedveuvM enobrycbn, Sainfoin. Tinker's hill 

Helebonu viridiw et fotidiH, Heieboie 

BcfaKleuiii qwndyllUB,' Cow Parsnip 

Biaiacivm, species var. Hawkweed 

Holciis mollis, lanatos, et avenacens. Soft Gnas 

Boideam, species var. Kye Giam 

Hnmiiliis lupulns, the Hop 

Byaclnthus nonsGriptns, HyadDth 

Hydrocharis mocsus raac^ rrog bit 

Hyoscyamns niger, Beabaae 

Bypericam, species vmr. St. John's Wort 

Jaaioiie montana. Sheep's Scabins. SteveMon 
laiUa beleniam. Elecampane. Cagnkam and BUterley 
Iris pseiid<«coni8, Yellow Flag. Near LudUm 
Isatis tinctoria Woad. We^ng cross 
Jnnipcnia^ Joniper 

Lsctnca scarlola et rfaosa, WildLettnce. Near Ludlow 

Lamiam albam tt pvrpnream, Dead Nettle 

Lathn sqnamaria, GieaferToolhwort. Bitterley 

Latbyros, species var. Vetehling or Wild Pea iter stone 

Liclien geompbictts, ventosns. pmphaloides, lispidos, et fiagilis Tit- 

— — -niger, fermcineas, ericetorum, bysacrides, bcecomyces, taitareok, 
perellos, ooucentricnsjscmposaa, punctatus, excavatas^bypnoroiii, 
whserocepbahis, crispos, crisUtus, sabumbricatns, venosus. calica. 
t% nondns, seiobicalatos. et sinuatus. Whitcliff^ LudfonM 
park, 4c. "^ ^ 

Linam pereone et catbartieam, Fkx. Near Ludlow 

Lithos(«rmnm arvenae et officinale, GromwelL lMdford,A€. 

Lolinm, species var. RavGram "^ 

Lotos comicalatiis, Bird's Foot Clover 

Lycopsis arvensis, Small Baglom. Near Ludlow 

Lychnis dioica et floscucolL Ibidem 

Lysimachia nummularia, Moneywort 

Lycopus Euopens, Gypsy wort 

Malva, species var. Mallow 

Marrubinm wlpaie, White Horehonnd. Near the Race Ground 

Matricaria partbenium, Feverfew. Near the CastU 

Medicago, species var. Medic 

Melampymm sylvaticum et species var. Cow Wheat 

Melica aniflom et natans. Melic 

Mentha, species var. 

Menyantheftrifeliata, Marsh Buck-Bean. Steventon 

Mercuriahs perennis et annua, Mereurv 

Mysotis arveasis ct palostris, Mouie-car 



MSt of PiiAHti. ^7 

Nepeticstarii, Nep 

CBttlMhe,ttMcietTar. Dropili^ 

eMiii»s|ftDnt«tttv«nrill;f lUtt-haiMw 

OphiogloMom tdlgatihD, AMcai'i Toflgoe. Pmighnitt 

Ophrytf tpectet vwr. 

Orchto bifeHa, macnhta, ct ipedll^ ttf . * 

Origannm valgttv, MaiipfBm. KtHftnePM^mH 

Orinthopas perpttiilltis, mt&ntoot f^mUff 

OrobuMme major, Broom-rape. Tink^ihtU 

OrobutayhattcutettnbenMos, SttferlreCch. WhUtUff'tii^ppU^e 

Osmnoda linaria, Moonwort Caynha/Hi eiVMp 

OxBlisacetoiella, WoodSoml 

Fanicam, spectoa w, Fanic Gmm 

ParietariaoAdtariiid^ Wmxtf, LuSMb 

Fkrit qottdrifolia. Herb nMir. Hd-gwood 

Pediciuaria paloatriaeCtyhrMtfta, -Lonte^oft 

Phellandriiim aquaticum, Water Hentlock 

Phleom pratenie et species var. Timothy Gnat 

Picris ecnioides et lueracioides, Ox-tonsiie^ 

Pinguicnla mlgaris, Butterwort Aston ^oMMmH 

PlantafOk species Tar. Plantain 

Poo, id. Meadow Grass 

Polygonnm bistorta et species Tar. the BJitorta. OppbtUe the Castle 

Polypodinm, species var. 

Polytricham, id. Golden Maidenhair 

Fotamo«eton, id. Pond Weed 

PotentiUa vema, Spring CinnnefoU • 

111! iiti M unirieiwh et tpmes tar. Cttaqnefoil 
Primula vulgaris, elflttor, 6C eflfteinillt, PkttwoM^ CotTsIip, and Ozlip • 
Prunella rulgaris, Self heal 

Pteris crispft et aqvflittfe, Fenultf tttn 

Pulmonana officinaUiL Lm^g^nnt. Caynfum 
Pyrob rotundifolia^ Winteigitoen: VPhUel\ff coffiee 

[Crowfoot 

Ranunculus ficarla, flammnla, auricomni, aqkiatiltf, et^ spMies variant 

Receda luteola, Dyer*s Weed. Ceumhsm 

Rhamnus catbarticns et Aijngnli, fiddcthoriu Stl^nton 

Ribes, species Tar. Corrant and GMseberrtf 

Rosa, id. llielfoM- 

Rubia tinctorinm. Wild Madder 

Rttbus Tulgaiis et minor, Bfamblc. The wiMiat beside Cor V9 

Sacittariasagittifolia, Anowhead 
Saliz, species var.- 'KheWnibw 
San^isorbaofficinalii^ WIldBitfttet 
Sanicula europaea. Saiiiele 
Saponaria oflloteH^ 8o«pir<«t. Sttoenl^ 
Satyrium Tiride, Frog Satyrion. NU» LuAUm 
Saxifiaga mnulata. Castle walk 
h ypnoides. TUterstone 

trydactiMtes. Limm 

Scabioia, species Tar. Scabious 
Scandiz.id. Shepherd's Needle 
8chanu,id. Rush Grass 



258 HISTORY OF LVDLOW. 

Scic|n» tjlTatlciii, Wood Rash 
Sclmuithiia Minaiu ft perennU, KnotGnas 

8cronhiikriaiiodo«etTenulis, Figwort lotker place* 

Sentellarta ntericnlaU et minor, Scnllcap. Oakley Park, amd 
Bedum tekpbtam et ropcrtre, Sionecnip. TUterstone 

men et reflexam. Ludlow 
ScmpenriTiim, Houe Leek. Ibidem 
Seiiccio fulnrltiiacobeA, et species var. 
SeimptasbtGbliA, HeUeborine. Near Oakley Park 
SenmtDk tinctorU, Saw Wort 
Slienidte anrensit, Little Field Mkdder 
Sioapls, species var. Mnstaid 
Sisoa secetam, Honeywort 
SisymmiaiB traaifoliam. Wall-rocket. iMdlow 
Sium, species far. Watai Pkrsaip 
Smymum oloMtrnm, Aleuoden. Betide the Castle 
Solanom daksamaia et nicrum , Nightshade 
Solidago ▼iigamea, QoldenRod. Neav Ludlow 
SonchiiSy species var. Sowthistle 
^[MrgaDtiuBc Bur ited 
Spartinm sooparlom. Broom 
Speigala, species var. Spurrey 
Sptrea vlmafia. Meadow-sweet 
Stachys, species var. Woundwort 
Stellai1a,id. Starwort 
Symphytnm officinale, Comfrey 

Tamos oommonis, Black Briony 

Tancetum valgare, T^nsey 

Teacrinra seorodonia et scordinm, Wood Sage and Water Germander 

Thalictnim, species var. Wild Rae. Paper miU 

Thiaspi, id hbepheid*s Puae, kc. 

Thymus serphylium et acinos. Thyme WhiU:Uff 

Tormentilla officinalis et reptans, Tonnentil 

Tragopegon piatense. Goat's Beard. Caetla walk 

Tricbomanes bfeviaetmn. Goldilocks. Ludford Park wall 

Trifoliam, species var. Trefoil 

Triticnmjd. Coach Grass 

Turrites glabra et hirsata. Wall Cress. Ludlow 

Tassilago fariara. Coltsfoot 

TyphaIatU61iaetangastif<^a, Cat's UU. Oakley Park 

Ulex earoMBOS, Whin 

Urtica dioica, pilolifeia, et mens, Nettle 

Vacciniom myitillos. Bilberry. WMtclM^ coppice 

Valeriana officinalia, locosta, et dentate, v^erian 

▼erbaacnm thapaos, blattaria, et virgatam, M allein 

Verbena officinalis. Vervain. Near the Weeping cross 

Veronica, species var. Speedwell 

Victa, id. Tare 

Vinca minor. Small Periwinkle 

Viola hitea. Yellow Violet. TUter stone 

odorata, canina, et tricolor 
Viacom albom, White Miaaello 

XanthioA ttnunariaaif Lemer Burdock 



THE. 

DISTANCES OF ROADS 

Ta THE 

PRINCIPAL NEIGHBOURING TOWNS. 



TO SHRE¥^8BURY« MiUs, 

Church Stretton - -. - - - 16 
Shrewsbury t. - -.-.-- - 13 

Total 29 

TO BIRMINGHAM. 

Cleobury Mortuner ----- 11 

Bewdley -------- 8 

Kidderminster ------- 2 

Birmingham ^. -. -. - - - - 19 

. Total 40 

. ■ TO WORCESTER. 

Tenbury - - -. 9 

Hundred House ------ 12 

Worcester- -------11 

Total 32 

TO HEREFORD. 

Leominster -------10 

Hereford ------- -13 

Total 23 



• HISTOET OF LUDLOW. 

TO ABBBTSTWtTB. 

Biihop's Cutk 17 

Ncwtoim --..•---16 
Hachynlleth -'...- -.-26 
Abetyatwith - 20 

Total 79 
AHOTHEB. BOAD Tft ABBStSTWtTH. 
Knighton -•^-.-..10 
Pni'y-boiit .-.-.,. 14 
Rhiysder --...... io 

DerifsSridge ..--.. 19 
AberyBtwilfe ......_ n 

Tot#70 



T« KnigfctoB ....... 10 

To Bridgnorth 20 

T* EingtoQ 22 

To Presteiga .--.-.. 17 

To Montgomerf - _ . ^ - . atf 



A GENERAL 

CHRONOXiOGICAIi INDEX, 



WITH APPROPRIATE 



ADDITIONS AND OBSERVATIONS. 



]Q£FOR£ the use of letters. Philosophy, History, and 
Morals were taught by artificial forms of speech com- 
mitted to memory ; and the Bardic Triads were admi- 
rably adapted for this purpose, the remains of which, 
under the title of the 'H^riads of the isle of Britain," are 
justly esteemed the most precious relics ef antiquity. In 
the progress of civilization, and when the use of letters 
was Introdaced, the bards continued to derive their first 
knowledge from the memorial forms of their predeces- 
sors. T&esin, in his Poem called ''the Appeasing of 
Llud," has tiie following singular passage,— 

**Llw]rth Uiawfi annftvs ei henweryt, 
DygorsMjnan Prjdftin, prif fiui yayi^ 
Ow jT gwtad jr Atla, • gwl^ G*fif i 
Fob) pwyllatt eDwir, ea tir ni wyn^ 
Fkmeo gorwyreis herwydd Mtrb; 
Amlaet ei petsiau, pwy ei hefelyti 
A ^wyllaa dyf^ncff, obec efaiis 
Europe.** 

"A BomenMH ne% fierce they are u\A to have been, 
Were thy origiiiel cohmlit^ Britain, fint ef lalea, 
NatiToa ef a country in Alia, and the coontiy of Oefia; 
Said to hare been a ekilfnl people, but the dutrict ie nnknoim, 
IH^ich waa mother to these cfaiidjea, warlikeadveatnien on the ita, 
Ckd In their long drere, who cunld equal thenf 
TbelrikiU ia celebiated, tbqr wen the diend 
OfEmope.** 



202 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

Of Hu the Mighty, the Chief who first ^olonised Bri- 
tain, the triads are very particular in their description, 
and the high sense of his virtues appears to have deified 
him in succeeding ages ; an honour suitable to the ideas 
of heathenism, and, as such, the highest testimony of his 
people's veneration for his memory. Hu the Mighty is 
celebrated as having made poetry the vehicle of menaoiy 
and record ; as hamg instructed the Cymry in agricul- 
ture, before their emi^tion ; as having led them to, and 
settled them in Britam ; as chief of the three pillars of 
the nation, the three institutors of social order, the three 
benefactors, the three improvers of song, and chief of 
the three guardians against oppression, with Prydain, 
the son of Aedd, who first instituted policy and Uw, and 
Rbitta Gawr, who made for himself a robe of the beards 
of kines whom he had shaved on account of their tyran- 
ny. It is not known what was the fate of this great man 
after his arrival in Britain ; probably it was he who was 
afterwards worshipped by the Celtic, or rather Cimbric 
nations, under the name of Heus or Hesus ; an ancient 
piece of sculpture found in the beginning of the last 
century, on which Hesus is represented cutting trees, 
seems to confirm this opinion. It is not known when or 
where he died. His memorial is in the records of the 
nation he founded, where it will remain and be handed 
down to future ages, to be venerated as that of a chief 
who colonised a country in peace, in justice, and in civil 
rights. In the expression of the Triad, ''they sought a 
settlement which could be obtained, not by war and 
bloodshed, but in peace and justice," there is conveyed 
the natural sentiment of a colony from a nation already 
harrassed by contest with an enemy against whom it were 
vain to hazard resistance. Such were at that time the 
Cimmerians of Herodotus and the Cymiy of the Triads. 
Such seems the most probable account of the peopling of 
this country : in process of time other colonists arrived, 
and a commixture of various tribes during a succession 
of ages struggled in fierce contention mm each other; 
the primordid occupants to the last preserving the iden- 
tity of their character^ their mme,^ and their language. 



CHRONOLOOICAL INDS3t. 263 

A AC. 

SS. Cseur fint invaded Britain. 

54. Ceesar's aecoud I|i8it. 

AD. 

43. Canctacus (i. flk- Caradog) oppoaea the Romana. continning to 
check their progreafror nine yeari, cherishing the Iotc of liberty and 
independence among his countrymen: and would have continued the 
struggle, if he had not been l>etrayea by the perfidious queen of the 
Brigantes; when this hero was delivered up to the Romans, his il- 
lustrious lather Biau the son of Lly r, with all his fiunily, were carried 
with him as hostages to Rome; remaining there seven years, on 
their return they brought with them the christian religion. Caradog, 
Cy nvelyn, and Arthur were the three brave sovereigns of Britain ; ana 
his fiither Bran with Ueirwg and Cadwaladyr were the three blessed 
sovereigns of Britain, (see p. 2) 

.— Julius Frontinus conquers the Silures. 

«-« Julius Agricola reduces Mona. 

(tt. B<Mkdicea defeats the Romans. This heroine was of tall and comely 

Serson and dignified -aspectt with a shrill commanding voice ; her 
ne yellow hair fell down to her loins, and above a flowing robe 
she wore a massy gold chain, and harangued her army in animated 

--— Juius Frontinus conquers from the Silures the forest of Dean and 
the counties of Monmouth and Hereford. 

78. Agricola completely subdues Mona. 

83. Agricola recalled from Britain, after having successfully laboured 
to civilize and instruct our ancestors in the arts of peace and good 
government 

Wl, The Emperor Severus comes into Britain and dies at York. 

206. Constantius dies at York and in his last moments declares Con. 
stautiue his heir and successor. Coustantine (called the Great) was 
the son of Constantius by Elen, a lady of great piety and unrivalled 
beauty, the daughter of Coel Godeboe the 76th king of Britain. 
This celebrated emperor began his reign at York, and soon after, 
wards, by lemoving the Imperial seat to Constantinople, paved the 
way to the destmction of the empire and the desertion of Britain by 
the Romans. , « . . 

393. The Picts, Irish, and Saxons unite in the invasion of Bntain.—' 
Driven out by Stilicho. 

400. The Romans leave Britain. . .. » . 

446. The Saxons came into thisisland (as we learn from the Triuls) "in 
peace and by the consent of the nation of the Cymry , under the pro- 
tection of God and his truth, and under the protection of tor ooun. 
try and nation : and they made an attack throush treachery and out- 
im on the nation of the Cymry. taking from theinwhat they could 
ofthe sovereign daminion of the isle of Britain." This happened in 
the age of TortiMrn. At this period the contest for mastery between 
the Saxons and Britons commenced, continuing from the departure 
of the Romans to the 10th of Edward I. a period of 830 yMrs. 

473. Maaaacie of npwaids of 300 British noblemen by the Saxons at a 

JSIO. The Silurian Prince Uther Pendmgon dies by poiatn oo the field 

«1. TS?3ixon chief Ceidic, panoing hi» conqnesU even into WjUea, 
was snccesafiiUy opposed by the celebrated Arthnr, the son of Uther. 

520. Aitfanr defeats tiie Saxons near Bath. 

.-.- Thrflifft milittty oidei estabUihed in Britain, whose mtmbcn were 
denominated after its fonnder **dK Wairion of Arthu.** 



264 HISTORY Ot LITDLOW. 



070. The Brttttb bud Aneuriii dtos by tbe hand of an aMUtin. 

iBO. The Mefciaa kingdon eatablldicd by the Sttons, and the Octar* 
chy completed, (see p.S) M 

684. jDefieat and death of OadwaUon by Penda a^o alao 

Ott. 4einte Oiwald, czhiMthiff hia bead aadHba on atakea. (p. 0) 

MS. St. M ilbun, the dant^hter ct Merivald amrcian kingr- At this 
period, wya Baronina, **the chnrehea were plentifully adorned with 
liUet of pnie Tirgtnity, and violets of leligioua monks ;** and in the 
Teign of Henry I. when the tomb of this Princess Sunt waa opened, 
an odoiifenNis faponr exhaled, of balsamic power to cure the Kingli 
evil. The a s s umpti on of cnring this disoraer by the lUnga of £i^« 
hnd originated from this occurrence. . 

ML OadwahKlyr leavea Engtend and dica at Rome. {p,9) 

W5. The Britons, after a bmve stmggle of neuly ISO yean, driven by 
tlie Salons into Wales and ComwuL 

177. From Shrewsbury, the Penrweme of the Britons, the reyalseat 
of tbe Princes of Powvs removed to Mathmfid. 

•i^ Offii*s Dyke nude to oea barrier against the Britena, extending from 
tbe Severn at Chqistow to tlie Dee, (p. 10) 

TOO. The Britons, meditating revenge againat Offa for the injury and 
diaoace done to tlieir covntiv by tbe encroachment of the Clawdh 
Ofia, suddenly rose In the nignt of St. 8tephen*s day and deatroyed a 
great part ot that barrier, csirrying fire and sword unawares amongst 
their enemies, who were encamped neu Hereford: the- vindictive 
OflSk soon after rsising a powsnhl army, defeated the Britons 4it 
Rhttdlan marsh, and mamscred all the prisoners on the field, sparing 
neither man, woman, nor child. Oflb himself is supposed toliave 
received liia deilh wound in this action. 

878. The Danes gain pu ssBw i on of Mereia. {p. IS) 

— * Alfred the Great, uker subduing tbe Danish invaders (against whom * 
be fought 50 buttles) composes his body of laws, and dividea fiagluid 
into countiea, httndredB,uid tythinn. 

807. Bfercia a province under Alfred, {p. 15) 

OM. Etbelfleda, *'Lady of Mereia.** dies. (v. 16) 

1010 Shrewsbury taken by Edmund Ironside, and the inhabitants, who 
had Joined Cknute against his frther Etiielred, severely punished. 

— Neu Shrewsbury, Alphehn, a prince of the blood, murdered whilst 
hunting, by Godwin Pmrthnnd, a butcherof that town, hired by Edric 
Streon. the execrable Eari of Mereia, 

loao. Leofric, who married tlie celebrated Godiva, Eul of Mereia. 

1041. The Saxon line reatomd under Xdwaid the Confessor. 

loss. Harold overruns Waiea. 

1055. Hereford burnt by the Britons. 

1057. oweyne Eari of Mereia; he seduced Elgiva, Abbem of Lcomin- 
ater, and was obliged to leave the kingdom ; afterwards condemned 
to undergo the penance of walking barefooted to Jerusalem to expi- 
ate a murder, he died of fetlgue on hisjoumey. 

1000 William the Conqueror subdues E&if^aniL 

— Roger Montgomery is mM to have erected a great part of Ludlow 
Csstle about this time. {p. 01) He was a lover of jusUce, delishted in 
the society of tbe wise, and long retained in his service the three ce- 
lebrated cleiks, Godebald, Odelerlcus, and Herbert, by whose adriee 
he directed his undutakinga. To Warin the bddd, of low statue 
but lofty counjie, heguve Ahneria his niece { William suruuned 
Pantult Picnl^ Cortiat, with bis sons Roeer and Rodbert, were a. 
mong his great men. Helmt was tbe fetber of Bertwrt, this cele- 
pn^»^«MiniattioB of the Coniiacror waa the Lofd of Castle Bolstte 



CHRO NO LOGICAL INDBX. SBS 

siTlntim indOwc* GwyiMdil, 
lid Um WiWi <MEd*d wiai gnu 



Uedliclft^'bMmT the tiM* tf fe«d*i tjnn 

-jotswcpnl <"-•• 

(■■•ItbarfaMBo 



utktli«B>f>otsw«piniti7, vlwnlkcfai 



bllily; tDdiniunopLefttoclty Atod ,„ -, 

TbcMitMiw w&DMUkd Id UK ttoam pi«irlB« woe IgMmt 
■nl npentttlsw la Uh €iU«K. ud Ib •DnpUa««biMlum J dU iwt 
(iiiaiclacliuictabMtaMiMral*. Clii1ilfBittjtabolj,IUAie- 
Moeidiitae, Uinonlihr wMt, faied, uMlMbltaei iumnhip 
■lM|itt*adfai«,wB^iinBflMhiut,<HliiinBblelDiMMa. Bat 
inuiuiEc,&aiHcini. ud tnuof pcrnited thii bob ntl|l«, nb> 
■HtBllw lahi coiBustM IbriHwKMld dnki, and iMiciitlDC n- 
unnalatlHCDnKinKaif ilH wiektd bf Wib la Itnplou nd ib. 
•Bid doelifMi, ud bt dsBiigaa Id tb« chinh, tcuchlBg that cilBM 
«« to btitned (DrbT 
■bjcMMbaiahntDibt 

S^^Mt otllfB. VeV* 
ia lteMb,lMh, or lllh 




Ijutuu WooiMri bntoBfHn- 
Ifa (nriWHd bi Robnt Dokaof 

, -, _. ;«k« bj Heary I. 

It ShHmbaiT (be aabUU]! oT tbc nala noi* fwllj to WllHtB 



<M of ndim ol ■riw M iia acau «ai icMgnd. 
Iin. Bridnoftb ud 8tan>ri>ai* (bg«fa (nriwaad 

Nonudj bj MiAat de Brtcww) (ak« bj Hn 
(IIS, AtShHinbaiTlbeaabUujiortbcnalano 



806 HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

119. Loid FolkFUicmrfiM, Wtrden of Om Mttcbes, was the progeiii- 
tor of the funoo* lamily of the GavioM of Whittington ; the iod of 
' Meoti; hu0iother,thebaftvtifiilaii4magiiaDimooiMel> 



let, the dancfater of Pain Pevevel. («. S 
1134. Cinae Cbrtle taken hy the Welah, vho tot off the hcMda of all 

that were theieiu. 
lias. Ladloir, under Gervaat F^panel, beaiefced by Stephen {p. S7) 
1130. Shiewabniy, which had beenaeiiedby WiUiam Fitadan, Loid of 
OawMtry, for the Empraia Hand, taken, after a brave defence, and 
eereral of the faniMMi nanged by Stephen. 
1140. Walter Fitalan (wboie deacendanta took the name of Stewart, 
imm their office of high Steward of Scotbuid) was the progenitor of 
the tofX femily of Stewaiti and founder <tf Pfeialey monaatry, bom 
at Gaweatry. 
llM-7. Bridgnorth, nnder Hngh de Mortimer, beiieged by Henry IL 
when Sir Kobert Synclare, or Robert de St. Clare, Constable of Col- 
cheater Ciatle. uereeifing one of the besieged Uking aim at the king, 
stepped before nim and leceived the arrow in his own breast 
)I04. Henry II. asaembka his army at Oswestry to attempt the snbjv- 

gation (rf^Walea. 
1180. Ginldua Cunbiensis on his expedition with Aichbtshop Bald, 
win to preach for the thiid Croiaade, obsenrcs in his Itinenry that 
he "pisaed by Lodlow, nnder the walla id the noble Castle of Roger 
Montgomery." Being a native of Wales his account of the maunen 
and character of his oonntiymen is interesting and authentic. We 
learn from him that the Bntons were a nation light and nimble, ra- 
ther fierce than sttong: devoted toarma from the highest to the 
lowest, and ready to rue on the first summons. Their food was cat- 
tle and oats, miUc, cheese, and butter. Not engaged in trafiic, mili- 
tary affiiifs occupied their attention ; and so dear tu them was their 
country and its liberties, that they delighted not only to fight but 
evoi to die in their defence. Such was tiieir eager courage that 
they even dared unarmed to attack thoae who were covered with 
armour. The armour they used was light, and did not impede their 
motions. Their offensive weapons were arrows and long spears : the 
men of North Wales with their speais could pierce through an iron 
coat of mail ; those of South Wales were tlie bat archers : they either 
went with their feet bare, or made ahoen of raw skins. The voung 
men, engaged in wandering over mountains and penetrating thKkets, 
were prepared for the fatigues of war. Tliey were not given to ex- 
cess in eating, in drinking or in dothii^. In their expeditions thev 
neither regarded hunger nor cold, and eagerly took advantaffeof darx 
and stormy nights for hostile invasions. There was not a beQpar to 
be seen amoitg these people; for the tables of all were common to 
all ; and bounty and hospitable entertainmeut were virtues in lUgliest 
estimation. As soon as a traveller entered a house, he gave his arms to 
some person i on which water being offered, if he allowed his feet to 
be washed he was a guest for the night. The offer of water was un- 
derstood to be an intitation to hospTtable entertainmeut. Strangers 
who arrived in the morning wen entertained with the convenation 
of the young women and with the music of the harp. Such an influ- 
ence had music on their minds, that they esteemed skill in playing 
on the harp beyond any kind of learning. In the evening an enter- 
tainment was provided according to the number of ttie guests and the 
wealth of the noose. Few dishes were prepared ; and no stimulants 
to gluttony used. The guests were placed by lhree8,andthe dishes put 
on rushes, with thin and flat cakes newly baked. When the hourof 
«eep arrived, they all lay down in common on the public bed, ranged 



CHRONOLOOICilL UKUSX. 287 



lengthiMyB on tke Met of thiB totm^ Thmj wttt » peoafc ef » wite 
and subtlegenius ; and, enjoying a ridv veto of ntvfu eadtwHCMtt, 
exeelled allthe ireifertf MtloM m Mt and ttmnAtf. In anaoM of 



]NiMi«fiBiCii1tv, oritt thtt ioctalclnile, wit — d a — imi fkumd m ft»m 
■n InezluiMtlblci iooMe. NaCoie nm to tb« iMMit, m vfll ai to the 



of thjepeeyte, aeertatai JoitoMi oi ■yiiiifa^ mdaslwett 
coiHIdenoe in living aaMNMi to Beat mot or «■ tlw prfanc^of pffih 
CM^prideof vuccBtnr m* dee^ footed isthelrhMitoi anihemu 
coBfliiiicd hoBottrebio, ouuMif wBdw ^cojgonitovo Mitbev ohwi^ fov* 
oigner, norMiuBoai penwi cotldlbefiiindL Tbey dMaotiooMfe in oi* 
ties, yfllagea, or caoipo,. bat folitarilf iv iroodfi Thoir ofltetlons 
were itnyBgly enghged la doiiNOtiiB and iwWy ralct1dttriiip%^ oad tlieir 
teveuge of injaries was sadden and seveie Thoio aaMOMMMa w^re 
snited to their geneial chMKterf feato of stmgtH thiowf ng o bar of 
iron, qooiCs, leaping, wveiCKag, lamilBg, fldiiig,atcliery, and thmwing 
thejaveltn. In famillef, playtagon tbo haip(fMdfair,iniglNgaaode 
of four paita with pinptr mteffknMm and oxMHiioar oad smilar 
oxeicises* BurlTiMtrweted id the ehiMiaofaligfomtlietr faith posb 
sessed greater simplicity, and was moiWipifltaalixed tlnn. tiM of 
other Mfions. They gat« part of tbebiead sanwilit tlnaltas ttytke 
fMur; sat down r# taMe ia tlwees in h&tn m oi thotriaity, andffa 
wfigloao or gnte fenan p r esi d e d, he beggedai Mnsing with- his 
anns eztendMl and nis head hangin^down. As it was UwdisfNiiition 
of this people to parsne ewnry eseltwg object with w i wi e t 'e, aono 
were elsewhere to bef»«Bd so bad a» the wont, noraiy better than the 
good among them. Ae apreof of the nligioao spfrit piovalsactat the 
tiMe, the author, from wfioai tlieabovo is tnaskuod, statea ttaat his 
eipedftion was rosaoeesilal, that lOOt of theauMt warlikaof the 
natives joined the staodod of the ctosa^ 

1104. Clan Castle taken by Keen, PMnce of Walea. 

I30B. AtShrewtbary, Qayaw ya wya ^ PMneeof WaileB.iA9ciBiobe> 
ton the royal covncil in that townto'propoiatcraifl of peaer tnaehe- 
loeal) ttitcA sold iaiprlsoDed. 



1S13. dowestry, under its Lord Fitzalan, talien and bwat b« John. 
•>^ At nmwsbwy, Itees ap Maelgwya, a bovan* 7 yiaio old, whohad 



been delivered asa hostage by the Welsh, inhannqr lamged by Older 

ef Tlpoaty a letaiaer of hlog ioha. 
1315. Bhrewsbnry sarrendered to Llewellyn, Flrince of Wales 
1933. Onrestty taken aad bamt by Llewellyn aad the Eidof 

broke^ whoaflerwardi took SliMwabnry, sad alaaghtoMd 

theinlMMftaats« 
1341. At Shrewsbary Henry lU. assembled hie amy to attach David 

ap Llewellyn, PHnee of Waka, bat on Ma a nti misili a , Beary, after 

remaining 19 daysk retwrned to London. ^ 

•i>*— Jordaen do Ladft»drs gmntof the coamos aaitnwof Whitellff. 
' The Abbot of Gloneeste^a giaat ia a a p os wd t» bo of the i 
1200L 8fai«wrt«rytaheBl7thehMafgeiitWMai»ta' " 

letaken by the forces of Henry III. 
1W3. BridgiHnrChtakenby9iauHideMoatfoft.BBdefLelceiler. 
ntr. At Shrewsbary, Henry III. appeared with Mo army to attack Ae 

Welsh, bat peace was restored on the sabmiastanr of Uewellyn. (^ 16} 
1268. Sir John Charlton, Governor of Iretand, bom at Apley. 
nm. Sbrewebasy town and eaotfe phced aader Ike gavaraaert of 

Prince Edwaro, afterwards Edward I. 
1277. The Coarts of King's Bench and EachoiiBBr ertOdiabid for senM 

months at Wuewsbary ny Bdward I. 
1381. The Conrtsof Kiag^s Beech aad Bzeheqanr agala laaiaved ftoaa 

London to Shrewsbury by Edward Lead maaiaM there aalllhe had 



268 HISTORY OF LUDLOW, 

•ecompliihed the complete labjagatioa of Wales-— Llewellyn de- 
feated and slain by Edward I. 

1S83. Hand, the last native Prince of Wales hanged at Shtewibnry. (p. 
40) The nu-Iiament removad from Shrewsbary to Acton Buraell, 
where was passed the act respectiDg: Merchant Debtors entitled **$ta- 
tntom de Bfercatoribus,*' called also "the Statnte of Acton Buniell." 

1384L Edward I. passes an edict to pnt to death all the bards of Wales, 
which remained in force to the end of Henry IV. 1412.. (p- 39) 

-— Edward II. the first English prince of Wales, bom at Caernarvon. 

1303. Madoc reduces Oswestry, defeats Lord Strange near Knockin, 
touts a force sent out against him, and approaches Shrewsbury, but, 
encountering with an armament luised by several of the Lords March, 
era, is defeated and uken- 

1321. During the second baronial confederacy, Roger Mortimer. Lwd 
of Wigmore, was taken prisoner at Bridgnorth by Edward II. and 
his sentence (^decapitaiion exchanged for that of perpetoalimpriaon. 
ment; but be made his escape from the Tower, Aug. 1323. 

1322. In entering Shrewsbury, Edward II. received by the BuigesKs 
with great mihtary parade. 

1327. At Shrewsbury, Edmund Fitzalan, Earl of Arundel, a faithful ad* 
herent to the deposed Edward II. against the queen and her paiamont 
Mortimer, seised by the inhabitants, and executed without any form 
of trial. 

1340. An expedition beiuK proiected against France, Sir Roger le 
Strange of Knockin aod John le Strange, James de Audley, William 
de Eitalive (l.e. Ercal), William Stury, and John Aston, as chief peN 
sons in the county of Salop, were summoned to fiud 40 men at arms, 
aod. 40 hobelen, of which 10 were to be from Ludluw. Men at arms 
were in complete arm«rar, with stout hones: bobelers rode hobbies 
or small horMs, and wore light armour. 

1331. Norman French was universally taught in our schools till the 
year 1331, iriien a master of the name of Cornwall, at Shrewsbury, 
first began to teach Eoglish, and before the year 1400 the practice 
became genorsL 

1309. Robert Langlande, Monk, author of "Pierce Ploughman's 
Vision,** CJeobury Mortimer. 

1373 John Tdbot, the celebrated Earl of Shrewsbury, bom at Black- 
mere. 

1882. Roger Mortimer, the son of Edmund by Philippa daughter of 
Lionel, Doke of Clarence, presumptive heir to the crown, being 
Lieutenant of Ireland, was wounded in a bkirmish, brought home, 
and died at Wigmore. 

1396.7. A Parliament held at Shrewsbury by Richard II. called *'The 
Great PSrliament,*Mn which Chester was made a Principality, and 
aeversl oppressive laws were enacted, which formed some of the sab> 
jects of accssation brought against Richard by Henry of Bolingbroke. 

1403. Henry IV. defeats the Earl of Northumberland at Shrewsbury. 

1490. Robert Mascall was made a Carmelite, or White Friar, at LudJow, 
was Confessor to Edward IV. and Bishop of Hereford: bom at Ludlow, 

1430. Duke of York's letter respecting the Groverament of Ludlow by 
the 12 and 7S as formerly, {p. 48) 

1430. Henry Vl. at Ludfoid with his army. {p. 50} 

1460. Duke of York raises an army of 23,000 men and gains the victory 
of Mortimer's Cross, (p. 57) 

1401. Edward 4th's first Charter. 

1400 John Carpenter, Bishop of Worcester, Lord President. 

14r2. Ludlow first authorised to send two members to Parliament; . 

1478. Edward 4th's second Charter. 



CHitONOLOaiCAL lMDftX« 

148S. Tlie Princes Ed wttd and RidMMl, iiM or EdfftM IV. tfeUn from 
Ludlow bj Older of RichMd III {jk 9a) 

1484. Richard Srd's Charter. 

— AtShrewabary^ BMry SliAifd, Dttke ti BickiaghMi, ha? ibgbeen 
betrayed bj hia ■errant, Ralph BhMiiater, %a» bthMtei tar %rder of 
Rlcham in. brfai« the Hlgli Craea* 

1485. The Earl of Richmond (aller%«fde Hraff Vll] M hleiUithftlbm 
Mflfovl HaMtt* «lfltHCMl Hite SbmwahvsF i M ^ ohief BuiHi^ 
ThoMaa Myttoft, hmttag an^m that Mehlnoiid ihonM •«• e«t«ft the 
toim Nrt over hifl bally, to<MMMSr with thfelettnr 41 tali CMliy Hid 
Umaelf In the high reoil* and Betfiy tAdhfltt met Mnii 

1488. Behry ¥11 Tistted ShtewabMy "od Lndl<Mr< 

14004 Henry YII. hieaMefl EllWbeihi and l*HMtt AHhor thtir Mn, 

froaiLailo«r« hepc the ihait d^ St Qeergt at MtteiMMtry < 
14M. Benry VII agnin Viilted Miibpiliiln. 
IdOSL (Aiml) At Ladlow died Arthur Prince of Walea. (p. 73) 
IMO Benrr 8th*s Charter. 
1521. Sir thomas Corucwall, Baron of Baii»rdi letatb in deeeeM 9fm 

Richard Earl of Cern«iH# ift« Memb* of tht eMntllln fcndkM 



1685. Oiwcatry, WhittinKton,AIaesbrook,Rfiocltin,EI]asDMt«|Do«H» 
and CherbnrY, by Act of PulhMMM, tvtni (Mm Waint dni tnttat* 
edtoShropanire. 

1848. Thomaa CSuHfchyttrdtf Fsettf MMWibMjr* 

MO. The Jariadietlon of the OoMt of the Lord* rt 8l l de 8t «f fte 
MaidMa at Lndhiir eona ru ie d by act of PwlltaieM. 

IM8. lUflMr'a Guild iMate «nfi«i«d inco bv B^ty VlU. 

1540. Hugh Broughton, a learned ditine^ Olabarf. 

1581. Fhtaner** OaiM btste ytven np to Bdwaiti VL and bjr fkim gIfM 
to tho town of Ludlow June 1, and the fMlefnity dlMohrA. (*. 185) 

1888. Mward 8th'fl Charter. 

1883 <UaenMary*BfatHleatialf of Edward** Obartetf. 

-Mi. GircadMinoea nflhciine.the ftinda of Men, difTeMiiCly at dii8ftt 

• jieriodi, itrong iy ilhM trate the ipirit of the agee in which th^ ocenr : 
4ho foUowing aecovMi liMn an ancient niannacifpt preiefvcd asitfhg 
thoMwvdaof Shpewlrirary, is congenial to fhe f|tth and IMIniVof 
men of the nMdIa of this 18Ch oentary. -"Upoii fwdflteth day, fidi 

^ the dyiryR appeckad i««lnct Alkniond*i ehmth, when the preeN 
was at highe mane, wifh g leaie tempeetoand daAnMi8,ao that ii«lie 
pnMyd thfonghe the chmi^he ha monnlipd nn tho ateapldf tfartoall 
the #yer of theeladhe, and ant tho ^rynt <» hiielawtiB itp^ the 
Ibwthrbell, and inmriteono er tho py%tt«leaaw«y« wtthofrfiih^ and 
Ihr ttotywe aatyeii ail the belli hi tbe <*nichea within the to#ne 
that the could neyther toll nev tyngni** Slttiki^ o ectfH tneg s cm iMind 
in accounts of tfMM tlioMs; in Sl ai wibid Church the devilie piinte* 
witb«aietfp1e i* Mi ohvwa wMth he ia aflMlpting to e enWew, 

1554. Queen Mary's Charter. 

fgOi. BdiMiBntttn^Bid.aflealoaBMoMalflMt, MhsetfAilillAi bn^ 
lUd by the oMhilk pricithood of Rhfewsbary, and biried 18 M»gir- 
den-niLongMT. Sir Atidinw CoHMf imH^ the e^^ iMm 1»8b 



Wa^tftl- Asnying Chriat, er sottil nolbrfwi* ilet, 
Thntthi»nM»>body chriatliEn bnrhd IMkff 
O no ! his faithftil trttd pMfesMo* 



Wa»tlie chief cmmk #MA fiieiy #■!' h4ld 1MH%NBfo8 : 
When popery here did reign, the See i ' 
WMId aet milt c» any shah « toMi^ 



When popery here did reign, the See of Rome 
WMId aet milt c» any shah « tami» 
Within thek Idol cemple ilhM jM -i bH ha, 



370 . HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 

Troly profemog ChrifUaoity, 
Wu, like Christ Jesus in « garden laid. 
Where he shall rest in peace till it be said, 
Cone faithful servant, come, receive with me. 

A just reward for thy integrity 1614. 

1577. Wbitgift, Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord President till 1»0, 

dniiue the absence of Sir Henry Sidney. 
IMS. Edward Herbert, Lord Ckerbury, soldier, ststetman, and historian . 
**Hc poaseved," says Laid Orford, "a wonderful fund of iotenud vir- 
tna, of strong resolution, and muily philosophy ; with foibles, pna- 
■iona, vanity, and wrongheadedness.* these he scorned to conceal, 
§K he sought truth, wrote truth — was truth. He was formed to 
■bine in every sphere into which his impetuous temperament or pre. 
dominant reason conducted him.' He was descended from the Tal* 
bot, Devereauz, Gray, Corbet, and other noble fiuniiies; .bom at 
Eytnn. 
1500. Oucen Elizabeth's Charter. 
lOM. King James' Charter. ^ 

1615. Richard Baxter, Rowton, township of Ercal Magna. 

1616. Prince Charles, (Ch. I) pompously entertained at Ludlow.(p.ll6) 
1«7. King Cbaries' Chatter. 

1630. Sir John Waller, Lord Chief Banm,'LQdlow. 
1635. Thomas Parr ured 152. 

1643. Charles L at Wellington, Shrewsbnry, and Bridgnorth, with the 
Princes James and Charles, Prince Rupert, and numerous Lords and 
Gentlemen, procltiming free twleiation of pmtestantiam, and prster- 
vation of the subjects* civil rights, Oct. IS advances to Edgehill, 
where his first great battle was fought 

164S-6 Prince Rupert defeats the Parliamentarians at Worcester — at 
Wakefield — -takes Cirencester — •Birmingham — Lichfield — ^kir. 
mishes, and obtains a gfeat victory in Chalgrove field- — stakes Bris> 
tol— gains a victory at Auburn in Wiltshire-— ^alls in with • flying 
party aud beats them into Reading — routs forces under Sir Thomas 
Fairfax and Col. Mvtton at Drayton — stakes Longford House in 

Shrop^ire takes 1 ong Castle — ^relieves Lathem House— .storms 

and takes Bolton in Lancashire— -defeats Col. Shuttleworth at Btack- 
bom relieves York — defeats Col. Massey at Ledbiiry.(jp. 120) 

1644. Tbe Earl of Denbigh takes Oswestry from the Royaliata, receiving 
£500 to preserve the town from being pillaged. 

1646. Sir John Price takes Apley House, making prisoners of Sir Tbo. 
mas Whitmore, Sir Francis Oatley, and about 60 royalists. Feb. 9u 
Shrewsbury taken by Col. Mytton, the Psrliamentarian Governor <» 
Wem ; the Governor, Sir Michael Eardley, slain, and 60 gentlemen 
and 200 soldiers taken, with 15 cannons. 

— Ludlow and Bridgnurth taken for the Parliament. 

1640. Timothy Neve, divine and antiquary, Wootton in Stanton Lacy 
parish. 

1651. Chafles IL with the Eail of Derby, flies from the &UI battle of 
Worcester: arrives at White Ladies* Priory Sept 4 1 disguised in the 
.doibes of the Pendrils and conducted to Boscubel House: concealed 
with Colonel Careless In the Royal Oak : conducted to the hooae.of 
Mr. Whitgrave at Moseley : Ice. Oct. 15, G>I. John Beubow (uncle 
to the renowned Admiral) shot on the Castle Green, at Shrewabury. 

1653. Dr. Arnway, antagonist of Milton, Bodnet. 

1654. The royal party, under Sir Thomas Harries, fail iuibeir attempt 
on Shrewsbury. 

1661. TheCounclI of the Marches reestablished by proclamation. First 
sitting Jan. 16th, 1602, Earl of Carberry Prasident. 



CHSONOLOGICAL IHDBX, 27L 

IMI Cturla mdlChuta. 

1«». 81t JobdHihoiidKHaSdakaoftbtBMnofConmoDt. tU- 

omU tobciUMtlHedantccMiBtarUllHiltli. HidaowirfUw 

Jadn of the Common FIbh. 
nr5. QnMOxitWfai, oUdi dotmal tbaclmich, muktt boiue, 

IWa^MI, ud Uin IIbh tlal BmlMr of nikr baiUiDO. 
Its*. sifThtnMlVikMwoniJndiaofKlw^ Bntcli. 

— ThalMu of Bndbrt voicd thioi(h Lodlsv whh ■ qdndid 

MM. Bui Povb (WtlUui) iwon of Os Prin CouciL HonHind 
■Hk th* tUk ua dipdtf otHvqib 

— flit Job ChirimiBadaLotdCtalcrjiutkc of Chats. 
UW. JuhII. It ladlo*. (r MS) 

iaaB.TjMCoart«f •IwHadHo.hcMatLiidlav, mbalUwa by ul of 
IMkmML (b. IM) 

ion. <»w<*r^1VUIiui ud Hut. 

UM mUkaOiAc A.M. dlihwudullimB*, (tubcrot Di. Ed. 
DuW C3idu^ Uh undkr) HuiboD^ tbbn. 

ITM IIMIbnrClHlM,dMMurioitniMltrt, born >t Ludlow. 

inr. Di.W. Adon, lnliinUtrt«riotI>r.JoligHe,8bienbuT. 

m4. BhA Itemo'.ilaBBrillaHutaBdMDg.ShionliWT. 

ItU. RoKt LndCUn, Sort lodlaa CiDqaaoc, SHFcho. 

lfaB.I>>.P«*T,tb*hiintdBlilHpofDniaKin,boniitBiU(_ 

IWe. Tbunm JohB»^ &q, ■BntkBaoHannins, >><>»« of luu, 
■>d ■ lUkaUDOiiM, bom U Lwllo*. 

UM Juki Bojddl, oitM nd pMna of utMi, died ) fltutoB Lm7- 

Un. Mm DonMoB, Bn. alMfocd, idaillflc. andlasnilouRnUt- 
Baa,itadioB^llb«lmlnd<>LtoiofnadoiiaU^tuiuCbrlMlui 
OMktlDMtobkntrfSbaBtoiKtbtpoM. Hi* m Mia f. U Do- 
•artOB,Bwar-" '"■ *-* '■^"" "*■ 

in «> IsqaMUn •pallcaBU. 
HottbalDHaiiMirioUidbj 

oa Iho nth of SM. Ik Ihia nar. 
UM. ItidHid PajH Kidgbt. Eiq. tbalaiMduia MCoienllilud 

prMotof Doaotoa Ca£U(^ but nan Hsnbaot Pullancol 

Iddln.dlid. 



INDEX. 



Aibtai. PbDtait 



AKkluetan, Suob 
Amlph 

—— Prion 
AtMriBiUI 
— — Owt 

AUUGoij 
BMwIa 

Ssr : : ■ 

BiAjdiriiMnao It *| 
Bmun I«iK nd Hmh 
BMMt, Bfa Balph 
BibiiMOtl . , 
VMh. Not. itfttltai 

BmABocMIm . _ ... 
Beltf. WOlfa Bon Wat IV 
AtOAnCgutMiddcliMl m 
Bloal,%WiiIta !«■ 



(« IJJ 


sssj^ . 




gj-k.<hw . 


M 

n 




IftSM 




1» 




"1 


^S^T 


IM 




wn 


1 1 . . 


\m 


SSut . . 


•s 


iJSST"*. 


VI 
U,MI 


ssr*'r^ 


m,n 




911 


^£l : 






W 


^miMp ' ' 


IH 




IM 


oimm. . : 


IM 


CMclMtdaMWk 




anpU» - . 




Cuau - - . 


MI 




n,Ma 


0>rt>aiT,^or ^ 




OHMU '. . . 


w 


'-f 


us 


It 


HI 


] r&Rir* 






"id 




IIT 




■t ur 


i • '• 


m 


' --fia^SSi- 






n 








ua 




•r 


UOabtm 






37, Mi 



INBBX. 



273 



Oupeltn the Cattle 

—r of St. CUiierine 

CtiaritieB . 

Charles I . . 

II . . 

Prince 

Charlton, Sir Job 
Sir John 



-lunily 



8M 
161 

110 

120^971 

967 

204 

Cberbaty, Ld. ^rbert of 130;Sro 

Chester made a Principality ""^ 

Chilmaich . . • 

Chirk 

Christianity in Britain 

Oironological Indet ; 

Choich • . . 

Chnrchyard 

Clee Hill 

Qiflord, Walter de 

Clire family 

Clan Castle 

Clunffunlbrd . • 

Coaches 

College 

St. John's 



IMtf 
190 
201 
145 
152,209 
246 
38 
240 

2or 



Companies of Trades 
Comus, Milton's . 
Corbet, PetiSr 
Comewall, SirThonui 

ftnntiy 

Correction, House of 

ConreDale 

——Gate and Bridge 

Council in the Marches 

Court of the Marches 89, 260, 270 



291 
150 
179 
197 
110 

27 
209 
212 
17T 

28 

173 

80,120 



•cf Record 
HiH 
Credon Hill 
Crida . . 
CristyneofPyte 
Croft, Sir John 
-^— dirWnifaan 



•Castle 

-ftmily 



Danes in Mereia 

Dfavid, Prince 

Pdbnry 

Devil, appearance of the 

Dighton, John 

DInham, Gate and House 

mspenmry 

Distances of Market Towns 



193 

247 

2 

9 

91 

48 

122 

218 

219 

12,204 

35,37,39,208 

. . 343 

280 

03 

184 

190 

299 



Dovaston, John, Esq • 271 
Downton Osstle 22S 

HaU . . 243 

Dttbridus ... 18 
Dudley, Robert 99 

— — - Imd 48, 93 



DtkeofBacktathim 
Dyned<nr 



Edrie Stieon 

-Sylvaticus » 




909 

2 

212 

17,304 

10,805 



35 

30,40 

40,308 

50,02 

100 

19,20 

192 



-—of membtnafftriiament 103 



Btfadbald . . . 

Bthelbert ... 10 
Etheldritha . Md 

BIfaellleda 15,204 

Btfaelfrith . . . « 

Bthelred . . 10,17 

Bore, Lord ... 116 
IU>yan,.eztractsfirom 54,88 
Airs and Marketo 892 

Feathers inn 173 

Femey Hall . 237 

Fenaii, Sir William 43 

gtzalan 27,206^ 208 

ftetchei'saiancel . • 148 
Forest, Miles . . 08 

Fox's Almshouse 109 

Fmnn, expedition against 208 
nee Grammar School 162 

Friar's Lane . 174 

FtogLane ... 178 
iVontinu% Julias . 2, 263 

ffkontier Wan 20 

FlontienorWake . ibid 

Ftalke Fitzwarine . 21,38,960 
Gattnt,Johnof 213 

GeneviUe, Geoffiry de 34 



-Peter de 

Oeoige BarnweU 
Genrd, Thomas Loid 
Charles 



35 

297 
116 
125 



OBbtes of Guarine £c his snnnis 30 

6iffaid,John 

Giles, St . . . 

Gtealdtts GsmbfSMis 

Olendower, Owen « 46 

Gfuy. Lady Jane 97 

Geilfoid Tower . • 178 

Gate 174 

Ck>diva ... 19 

Gotmo^ or Guthrun 12 

Qotso, or Joccas, de Dinan 28 

Government of Ludlow 191 
Guarine, FiU 28, 260 

Guild HaU , . , 'u» 



OF LCDLOW. 

IdwttBn^StRat 



»,».**.«•* 
««,«,»« 



UithnSllang 



Infiiit IMucait LndlM 



John, Klu 

Jadlth 
KochM*. 



KliwBUHt . . 
■Cnilbt, R PiTM, Eiq 
LKT.UUbatd. . 



lanihiidi. BtiiBt 

Lednnen fuil; 

L», Bit Ronbod 
LeLcMET.EuI itf . 
I^ntoudiBC 

UtnllrHiPrinBli, 
LlniuoribtTon 
UBunQlM 
LUa, iir Aneld de 



i^simi 



~ BrtdgE 

— popdl&lkm of 



Mc^mer, Hogli de 3s 

HnrtiniM'a Torti 



INDEX. 



275 



Northampton, Earl of 
Northamberland, Earl of 
Chikley Pkrk 
Qde on Ludlow Castle 
Odo • . • 
Offiti*t Dyke and Wall 
Old Street 

Gate 

Onibuy 

Orderictts 

Oiigaii 

Oiianist 

Orleton 

OatorinaScapttli 

Oswald 

Oswestry 

PaganeUcLGervase 

PUmer*i Guild 

Paving Act 

Pembroke, Countess of 

Earl of 



116 

97 

240 

143 

23 

10 

180 

174 

237 

20,205 

146 

101 

217 

2 

204 

207 

27 

105 

100 

09 

90,115 

131 

9 

202 

48 



Pendover 

Penda 

Peopling of Britain 

Plautagenet, Richard 

last of the family of 88 
Plants, list of 254 

PresidenU of Wales , 80 
Princes Ed. V & Duke of York 08 



ProcesHlonlng 

Quarter Sessions 

Races . . . . 

Raven Lane 

Reader 

Rees ap Maelgwyn 

Rhudlan Marsh, BatUe of 

Rice, Sir Griffiths ap . 

Richard I . , , 

II . . . 

Ill » . . 

Richard's Castle 
Richmond, Earl of 
Ring, Legend of the • 
Rivers 

Earl . 

Robert Cnrtoise 
Rope Pulling 
Rupert, Prince 
Salisbury, Earl of 
Saltmore Well 
Sampson, fiisbop 
Saxons and Britons 
Saxon Octarchy 
School, Blue CJoat 

Free Grammar 

National . 

Severus 
Sheet, the 



195 

193 

197 

ISO 

101 

207 

204 

71 

33 

43 

03,07 

215 

209 

148 

200 

. 02,89 

24 

193 

120, 125, 270 

52 

. . 210 

95 

. 5, 208 

. 5, 204 

180 

183 

187 

203 

249 



Sibdon Castle 
Sidney, Sir Henry 

Sir Philip 

Sieftou ' . 
Sllnres 
Smythe, Bishop 
Somerset, Marquis of 
Stauton Laey Bonse 
StanageParK 
Stephen, King 
Steventon Cottage 
Stoke Castle 
. Stone Bouse 
Strange, John le 
St John's College 

Close 

St. Leonard's Chapel 
— Mary White Friars 
—Mary's Qiapel 
— Peter, Chapel of 
— ^Winefred, Legend of 
Sweyne, Earl 
Talbot, Earl of 
Gilbert 



TVIiesin 

Talvace, William 
Tame, Lord Williams of 
Tewdric 
Theatre 
Titterstone 
Trollop, Andrew 
Tyrrel, James 
Undergot, Peter 
Uoion of England and Wales 
Uriconium 
Utiier Pendragon 
Van Ball 
Vangfaan, Lord 
Vernon, Theobsid de 
Villeinage, abolition oi 
Voysey, Bishop • 
Waggons 

Walcot, Sir Thomas 
Wales, Court for the govern- 
ment of 
Walks and Rides 
Water, reservoirs of 
-and Wells 



220 
101 
104 
243 
2,263 

92 
122 
242 
229 

27 
250 
235 
237 

35 
179 
180 
160 
108 
182 

40 
181 
204 
208 

33 
7,201 

22 

100 

8 

183 

246 

52 

03 

34 

83 

5 

203 

243 

122 

27 
234 

93 
252 
271 



Warwick, Earl of 

Weeping Crow 

Whitgift, Dr. 

Whitton Court 

Wlglaf r 

Wigmore 

William the Conqueror 

Rufus 

Woodbouse, Sir Michael 
Woodville, Anthony 



86 
190 
180 
199 

88 

175 

109 

248 

i 11 

19,223 

19 

23 
122 

89 



276 



HISTORY OF LUDLOW. 



WorcMter, Marquis «f - 19 
VTorkhoiiw - • 17S 

York and Lancaster, Wars of 40 
-Duke of - 48, S7 



York's, Duke of, Letter con* 
cerninc the Qoveniifient 
of Ludiow • • 4S,ST 

Zoach, Lord • . . 115 



Procter 4 Jotus, Primterst Ludhw, 




* ,■'^ »-